What is one of the main benefits of using pesticides when used safely?

Using pesticides safely provides the significant benefit of protecting desirable plants from pests. When applied correctly, pesticides can effectively target and eliminate harmful insects, diseases, and weeds that threaten the health and yield of plants meant for cultivation, such as crops and ornamental plants. This protection helps to ensure a more productive and sustainable environment in which desired plants can thrive without the risk of damage from pests.

By focusing on this main benefit, it highlights how responsible pesticide use can contribute positively to agricultural practices and gardening efforts, ultimately supporting food security and ecological balance. Other options do not align with the intended outcomes of safe pesticide use. For instance, limiting food production contradicts the very purpose of using pesticides, which is to enhance crop yield, not diminish it. Similarly, reducing the use of personal protective equipment would be a dangerous practice, as safety should always be a priority when handling chemicals. Lastly, increasing pest populations would indicate a failure in managing the pest problem, rather than a benefit.