What is pesticide resistance?

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Multiple Choice

What is pesticide resistance?

Pesticide resistance occurs when some pests carry genetic traits that help them survive exposure to a pesticide. When a spray is applied, susceptible individuals die, but those with resistant genes live, reproduce, and pass those traits to their offspring. Over time, the resistant traits become common in the population, making the pesticide less effective. This isn’t about the chemical breaking down faster or pests simply adapting to weather or the environment. It’s about inherited traits that specifically guard against the pesticide’s action. It also isn’t about everyone dying instantly; resistance means the control is less reliable as resistant individuals persist. To manage this, rotate pesticides with different modes of action, integrate non-chemical control methods, apply products as labeled, and monitor pest populations to detect shifts in susceptibility early.

Pesticide resistance occurs when some pests carry genetic traits that help them survive exposure to a pesticide. When a spray is applied, susceptible individuals die, but those with resistant genes live, reproduce, and pass those traits to their offspring. Over time, the resistant traits become common in the population, making the pesticide less effective.

This isn’t about the chemical breaking down faster or pests simply adapting to weather or the environment. It’s about inherited traits that specifically guard against the pesticide’s action. It also isn’t about everyone dying instantly; resistance means the control is less reliable as resistant individuals persist.

To manage this, rotate pesticides with different modes of action, integrate non-chemical control methods, apply products as labeled, and monitor pest populations to detect shifts in susceptibility early.

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