Which of the following actions can help slow down pesticide resistance?

Utilizing pesticides that target multiple sites in a pest is an effective way to help slow down pesticide resistance. This strategy works because targeting multiple sites within a pest’s biological processes reduces the likelihood that pests will develop resistance. When different active ingredients affect various physiological pathways, there is a decreased chance that a pest can survive exposure to a pesticide simply due to genetic mutation in a single site.

In contrast, repeatedly using the same pesticide can lead to a population of pests that gradually become resistant, making that pesticide ineffective over time. Targeting only one generation of pests is insufficient because it doesn’t address the potential for resistance to develop across subsequent generations. Using only chemical control methods can also contribute to resistance if not integrated with other management strategies, as it does not promote the diverse tactics that can reduce selection pressure on pests.

Integrating methods, including rotation of chemicals with different modes of action, cultural practices, and biological controls, can further help manage resistance while promoting long-term effectiveness of pest management strategies.