Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicators CORE Exam

What is pesticide resistance?

1. The ability of pests to avoid chemical exposure

2. When pests survive repeated pesticide exposure

3. The immune response developed by pests against pesticides

4. Pests that can only thrive in the absence of chemicals

The correct answer is: When pests survive repeated pesticide exposure

Pesticide resistance refers to the phenomenon where pests survive repeated applications of a pesticide that would normally be lethal to them. This resistance develops when certain individuals within a pest population possess genetic traits that confer survival advantages against the specific chemicals used. Over time, with consistent exposure to these pesticides, the proportion of resistant individuals in the population increases, leading to a situation where normal pesticide applications become less effective. This concept is critical for pest management strategies, as it highlights the importance of integrated pest management practices that reduce reliance on chemical controls and promote the use of alternative management techniques. Understanding pesticide resistance is essential for prolonging the effectiveness of available pesticides and maintaining sustainable pest management practices. In contrast, the other options do not accurately define what pesticide resistance is. For example, the ability of pests to avoid chemical exposure or to thrive in the absence of chemicals does not necessarily imply resistance, as these behaviors can be attributed to other survival tactics. Meanwhile, the immune response developed by pests does not encapsulate the specific behavioral or genetic changes that characterize true pesticide resistance.