What is meant by 'resistance' in pest management?

Resistance in pest management refers to the phenomenon where pests evolve over time to survive pesticide applications that would normally eliminate them. This evolution is typically a result of genetic variations within a pest population. When a pesticide is applied, it may kill off susceptible individuals, while resistant ones survive and reproduce, leading to a population that is increasingly tolerant of the pesticide. This can pose significant challenges in agriculture and pest control, as it can lead to a continuous cycle of applying stronger or alternative chemicals, which may also then lead to further resistance over time.

Understanding resistance is crucial for developing effective pest management strategies. It highlights the importance of using integrated pest management practices that combine multiple methods of control, reducing the reliance on any single pesticide. This approach can help manage resistance development and maintain the effectiveness of existing pesticides.