Pest management helps maintain what aspect of plants in retail nurseries and garden centers?

Pest management is crucial in retail nurseries and garden centers because it directly impacts the overall quality of plants. Maintaining quality involves ensuring that plants are healthy, free from diseases, and not infested with pests that can cause damage or stress. Healthy plants exhibit better growth, vibrant colors, and suitable sizes, but these attributes stem from effective pest management strategies. When plants are protected from harmful pests, their physiological processes are optimized, leading to robust growth, appealing aesthetics, and improved resilience against environmental stressors. Thus, the focus on pest management ensures that the plants meet the high-quality standards expected by customers.