Which climate condition can adversely affect cotton yields?

Unpredictable weather conditions can significantly impact cotton yields due to their direct influence on various critical growth stages of the cotton plant. Cotton cultivation thrives under stable environmental conditions that include consistent temperature, moisture levels, and sunlight. When weather patterns are erratic, it can lead to unexpected stress on the plants, such as excessive rain, drought, or abrupt temperature shifts, which may impair the plant's ability to absorb nutrients and develop properly.

For instance, if a cotton crop experiences a sudden influx of rainfall during the blooming period, it can lead to profuse growth of weeds, increased disease incidence, and even cause physiological damage to the cotton plant itself. Alternatively, a prolonged dry spell can halt development and diminish yield potential. The inability to predict such weather events hampers growers' ability to plan effectively for irrigation, pest control, and fertilization, further exacerbating the pressures on cotton production.

Considering the other options, consistent rainfall can actually be beneficial if it falls within the optimal range for growth, while mild temperatures generally favor cotton development. High humidity, while it can promote diseases, does not have the same broad adverse impacts as the unpredictability of weather. Thus, unpredictable weather conditions present a multifaceted challenge that can disrupt the delicate balance required for successful cotton