Which of the following options is least likely to aid in the increased yield of a crop?

While all the options listed can potentially aid in increasing the yield of a crop, the least likely option is pesticides. Pesticides are primarily used to control pests and diseases that can damage crops, but they do not directly contribute to increased crop yield.

Farmyard manure, cow dung, and fertilizers can all help to improve soil fertility and increase crop yield. Farmyard manure and cow dung are natural organic substances that provide essential nutrients to the soil, improve soil structure, and enhance soil moisture retention. This can help to improve plant growth, increase crop yield, and maintain soil health.

Fertilizers, on the other hand, are synthetic or natural substances that provide essential plant nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. They can help to replenish soil nutrients that are depleted by intensive crop cultivation, leading to increased crop yield and better crop quality.