What is a method to mitigate pesticide resistance in pest populations?

Rotating pesticides with different modes of action is a highly effective method for mitigating pesticide resistance in pest populations. This strategy works because it reduces the selection pressure that can lead to the survival of resistant individuals. When a pest population is repeatedly exposed to the same pesticide, those pests that are naturally resistant are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to an increase in resistant strains. By alternating between pesticides that have different modes of action, it disrupts this cycle. Each time a different pesticide is used, it targets different biological pathways in the pest, which can help to manage and suppress the development of resistance. This integrated approach not only helps to maintain the effectiveness of the pesticide but also contributes to sustainable pest management practices.

In contrast, increasing the dosage of pesticides or applying the same pesticide consistently can contribute to resistance development, as these practices place continuous selection pressure on the pests. Non-chemical control measures are important in pest management, but relying solely on higher concentrations of these methods might not specifically address resistance to chemical interventions.