What increases the likelihood of pesticide resistance?

The likelihood of pesticide resistance is notably increased by the continual use of pesticides from the same chemical class. When a particular pesticide is used repeatedly, it exerts selection pressure on the pest population. This pressure can lead to the survival and reproduction of individuals that have developed or possess genetic traits allowing them to withstand the effects of the pesticide. Over time, as these resistant individuals multiply, the overall population becomes less susceptible to the chemical, leading to a situation where the pesticide is no longer effective in controlling the pest.

In contrast, using pesticides from different chemical classes or integrating alternative pest management strategies can help mitigate the development of resistance. Diverse modes of action can target various biological pathways within pests, thereby reducing the chances of the pest population developing resistance over time. This highlights the importance of implementing integrated pest management strategies that include rotation and combination of chemical classes.