If plant pests are left untreated, what is the most probable consequence?

Leaving plant pests untreated typically leads to reduced yields, making this the most probable consequence. When pests infest crops, they can cause significant damage by feeding on the plants, resulting in stunted growth, lower quality produce, and potentially complete crop loss. As a result, farmers may see a drastic decline in the number of viable plants they can harvest.

Moreover, untreated pest populations can proliferate, leading to even more severe infestations over time. This cumulative effect highlights the importance of pest management practices to maintain healthy crops and ensure optimal yields.

The other potential outcomes, such as increased crop diversity or enhanced pest resistance, are less likely to occur as a direct result of untreated pest infestations. In fact, unchecked pests usually lead to a decrease in crop diversity as susceptible plants are outcompeted or destroyed by invasive species. Furthermore, the idea of achieving no impact on crop growth contradicts the clear evidence that pests detrimentally affect plants, leading to reduced yields instead.