What might be a consequence of not understanding plant responses to stress?

Not understanding plant responses to stress can lead to higher levels of wasted resources. When farmers or growers are unaware of how plants react to various stressors, such as drought, pests, nutrient deficiencies, or disease, they may overapply fertilizers, pesticides, or water, thinking they are managing the crops effectively. This can result in unnecessary expenditures and resource depletion, as well as potential environmental harm from runoff and leaching.

Effective crop management hinges on recognizing and responding appropriately to the specific stresses that plants experience. By mismanaging these inputs due to a lack of understanding, not only are resources wasted, but crop yields may also suffer as the plants become less healthy overall due to improper care. In contrast, efficient use of resources is achieved when growers understand these stress responses and can tailor their practices to meet the actual needs of the plants, resulting in healthier crops and potentially better financial returns.