What impact can pest infestations have on crop yields?

Pest infestations can significantly reduce both crop yields and quality, making this the correct assertion. When pests attack crops, they can damage plants directly by feeding on leaves, stems, and roots, which can weaken the overall health of the plants and diminish their ability to grow properly. This damage often results in lower yields because fewer and often smaller fruits or grains are produced.

Additionally, pests can introduce diseases to plants or create wounds that make crops more susceptible to other pathogens, further contributing to yield losses. The quality of crops is also compromised as the presence of pests can lead to blemished, damaged, or even rotten produce, which is less desirable in markets. Thus, the impact of pest infestations is multifaceted, affecting not only the quantity of the harvest but also the marketability of the agricultural products. Overall, addressing pest control effectively is critical to maintaining and enhancing crop production.