What impact do untreated pests primarily have on crops?

Untreated pests primarily lead to decreased crop yields. When pests infest crops, they can damage the plants directly by eating the leaves, stems, or roots, or they may introduce diseases that severely affect plant health. This damage can result in reduced plant vigor, stunted growth, or even total crop loss if the infestation is severe enough. As a result, farmers experience lower yields, which directly impacts their productivity and profitability. Effective pest management is crucial to maintaining healthy crop yields and ensuring food security. The other options do not align with the consequences of pest infestations, as pests typically do not retain moisture well, increase crop values, or improve resilience.