What is one method to reduce pesticide resistance?

Rotating pesticide classes and active ingredients is an effective method to reduce pesticide resistance because it helps to prevent pests from becoming accustomed to a specific chemical or active ingredient. When a single pesticide is used continuously, pests that are susceptible to that pesticide are eliminated, while those that have developed resistance survive and reproduce. This leads to a population of pests that can no longer be effectively controlled by that pesticide.

By changing the pesticide used, you increase the likelihood of affecting pests at different life stages or through varying modes of action. Rotating different classes of pesticides interrupts the survival of resistant individuals and promotes the effectiveness of pest management strategies. This approach not only helps maintain the efficacy of chemical controls but also encourages integrated pest management practices, which combine chemical, biological, and cultural methods to control pest populations sustainably.

This method contrasts with increasing application rates or using the same pesticide repeatedly, which can exacerbate resistance by applying more of the same selection pressure on the pest population. Applying pesticides during the same season every year may also limit diversity in pest response. Thus, rotating classes and active ingredients is recognized as a fundamental strategy in resistance management.