North Carolina Pesticide Application Practice Test

When pesticides lose their effectiveness over time, one significant consequence is the development of resistance in pest populations. This resistance occurs because pests that survive initial pesticide applications may carry genetic traits that enable them to withstand the chemicals. As these resistant individuals reproduce, they pass these traits on to the next generation, leading to a population that is increasingly difficult to control with the same pesticide. This dynamic can create a cycle where stronger or different pesticides must be used, significantly impacting pest management strategies and potentially escalating the problem. Understanding this process emphasizes the importance of integrated pest management practices that include rotating different classes of pesticides, using biological control methods, and implementing cultural practices to delay resistance development and maintain effective pest control.