What characteristic is commonly associated with high-yielding varieties of crops?

High-yielding varieties of crops are typically developed through selective breeding and genetic improvement to enhance their productivity. One of the key characteristics often associated with these varieties is high pest resistance. This trait is crucial for ensuring that the crops can thrive in various environmental conditions while minimizing damage from pests, which can lead to significant yield losses. By resisting pests, high-yielding varieties can maintain their productivity and thus provide a more reliable food source.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the primary goals of developing high-yielding varieties. While some cultivars may have low nutrient requirements, this is not a defining characteristic of all high-yield varieties. Similarly, drought sensitivity is usually seen as a disadvantage; high-yielding crops are often bred to withstand different stresses, including drought. Long growth cycles can be detrimental to achieving high yields within a growing season, as farmers generally prefer varieties that mature quickly to maximize production per unit area and time.