What can happen in the event of heavy cabbage looper infestations?

In the scenario of heavy cabbage looper infestations, plants might experience complete defoliation. Cabbage loopers, being caterpillars, are voracious feeders that primarily consume the leaves of plants in the Brassica family, such as cabbage, broccoli, and kale. When infestations are severe, these larvae can strip the plants of their foliage, leading to significant damage.

Complete defoliation can severely impact the plant's ability to photosynthesize, which is crucial for its growth and energy production. Without sufficient leaves, the plant may struggle to survive, resulting in stunted growth or potentially death. This outcome emphasizes the importance of monitoring and managing cabbage looper populations to protect crop health and yield.

The other options presented do not accurately reflect the consequences of heavy cabbage looper infestations. For instance, having taller plants is not a characteristic of infestations; in fact, infested plants often become weaker and exhibit stunted growth. Larger seeds and larvae stopping their feeding also do not correlate with the behavior or impact of cabbage loopers during heavy infestations.