The country of Ertland has never imported apples in any significant quantity because consumers there generally prefer the unique texture of Ertland-grown apples. Nevertheless, apple growers from Kosolia, a neighboring country, plan to sell their apples in Ertland by selling Kosolia-grown apples at half the price of local apples and promoting them as a nourishing, low-cost alternative.

E Profit of Ertland-grown apples are high enough in Ertland that growers, wholesalers, and retailers there could easily afford to reduce the price at which these apples are sold.

Question: Which of the following, if true, casts most doubt on the viability of the plan by Kosolia's apple growers to sell their apples in Ertland?

A Most of the varieties of apples grown in Ertland were originally derived from common Kosolian varieties.

B Consumers in Ertland tend to spend about the same proportion of their income on fresh fruits and vegetables as do consumers in Kosolia.

C At times in the past, Ertland has exported significant quantities of apples to Kosolia.

D Some varieties of apples grown in Kosolia can be harvested throughout most of the year, whereas the varieties grown in Ertland can be harvested only during two months of the year.

E Profit of Ertland-grown apples are high enough in Ertland that growers, wholesalers, and retailers there could easily afford to reduce the price at which these apples are sold.

Explanation: The option E is the correct answer. The advantage that Kosola apples have is the low cost. The country is hoping to market their apples as a low-cost alternative but if Ertland growers, wholesalers, and retailers reduce the price of apples, then Ertland would lose its advantage. This would cast doubt on the viability of the plan by Kosolia's apple growers to sell their apples in Ertland.

Options B and C do not affect the viability of the plan. Option A will help the plan because it means that the apple varieties in both countries are similar. Option D is also a positive factor because all varieties of apples are available in Kosolia all year round.

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