How is biotechnology applied in specialty crop production?

Biotechnology plays a crucial role in specialty crop production by enabling the development of pest-resistant crop varieties. This application involves using genetic engineering and molecular techniques to introduce specific traits into plants, making them more resilient to pests and diseases. By enhancing pest resistance, farmers can reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, which can lead to lower production costs and less environmental impact. This approach not only supports sustainable agriculture but also can improve crop yield and quality, vital for specialty crops that may be more susceptible to pests.

The other options do not reflect the primary applications of biotechnology in the context of specialty crops. For example, increasing the size of traditional crops or focusing on manual labor techniques is not the essence of biotechnological innovation in this field. Additionally, biotechnology aims to enhance diversity rather than reduce plant diversity, as a diverse gene pool can contribute to better resilience against pests and environmental changes.