Why does crop productivity decline when leaves begin to wilt?

When leaves begin to wilt, a crucial physiological response occurs in the plant where the stomata, the tiny openings on the leaves, close to conserve water. This closure significantly hampers the plant's ability to intake carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is essential for photosynthesis, the process whereby plants convert light energy into chemical energy, producing sugars and oxygen. Without sufficient carbon dioxide, the rate of photosynthesis declines, resulting in lower production of carbohydrates necessary for growth and overall productivity. Thus, the closing of stomata during wilting directly affects the plant's ability to thrive, leading to a decrease in crop productivity.