Why is propagation from patented plants prohibited?

Propagation from patented plants is prohibited because such activities often require a licensing agreement that grants the right to propagate those specific plants. Patents are a form of intellectual property protection that enables the creator or breeder to have exclusive rights over the use and distribution of their plant varieties. This legal framework is established to protect the investment of time, resources, and research that goes into developing new varieties.

By requiring a licensing agreement for propagation, the original breeders are compensated for their innovations and can maintain quality control over their plants. This ensures that the patented plants are cultivated and marketed under standards that align with the breeder's intentions. Violating these rights by propagating patented plants without permission can lead to legal repercussions and undermines the breeding innovation by diminishing the potential returns on investment for plant developers.

In contrast, the other options do not fully encapsulate the legal and ethical considerations surrounding plant propagation. For example, the statement about legality without permission is related but too broad, as it does not directly address the mechanism of licensing agreements required for patented plants. Similarly, environmental concerns or the quality of plants are not the primary reasons tied to the prohibition of propagation of patented varieties. Rather, the crux of the issue lies within respecting intellectual property rights through proper licensing.