What is a disadvantage of sexual propagation?

A significant disadvantage of sexual propagation is that it produces offspring that are not uniform. This variability arises due to the genetic mixing that occurs during the reproduction process, which can result in offspring with different traits and characteristics. This lack of uniformity can complicate cultivation and marketing, particularly in commercial horticulture where consistency in plant qualities such as size, growth rate, flower color, and fruit yield is often desirable. Growers may prefer uniformity for reasons such as ease of care, predictability in performance, and customer preference for specific traits.

In contrast, the other options highlight the advantages of sexual propagation. For example, while it does lead to increased genetic diversity, which can be beneficial for resilience against diseases and environmental changes, this diversity can be a disadvantage for growers seeking specific outcomes. The statement regarding lower labor requirements and higher survival rates typically pertains to asexual propagation methods, where cuttings or divisions can be more straightforward to manage and often result in more uniform offspring.