Pesticide Resistance

Understanding Resistance

Pest resistance to pesticides may has become a serious issue for chemical companies and pesticide applicators. Pesticide resistance occurs when the chemical makeup of a pesticide can no longer control the intended pest. Insects, for example, are quick to adapt and many have an incredible reproduction rate! A chemical that may have been effective on a specific pathway of the insect’s body may stop working once the insect adapts and changes that pathway. The insect can then reproduce, and all of its offspring will inherit the same resistance feature.

How Does Resistance Relate to Me?

If you're having trouble grasping the issue of resistance, take time to ponder this real-world example. Have you noticed that doctors are less likely to prescribe antibiotics than ever before? The reason is because of resistance. Like insects, bacteria are very adaptable and reproduce quickly. Some bacteria are beneficial and some can cause harm. When humans become ill, harmful bacteria or viruses have taken our immune systems hostage. Doctors may prescribe antibiotics to combat bacterial invaders. However, recent research has revealed how quickly these bacteria can adapt and become resistant to our medicines. This has prompted doctors to take extra precautions before prescribing antibiotics. They want to make sure the problem is caused by bacteria and not a virus. This way they can avoid prescribing unnecessary medications and help prevent certain bacteria from becoming resistant.

So what? Scientists can just make new medicines, right? Not so fast! Medicines undergo years of research and rigorous testing before they are released for sale and use. The same is true for pesticides. It takes many years to get a new chemical to market. It is better to work with the chemicals we have and learn how to use them properly and appropriately.

Preventing Resistance

Everyone can help prevent pesticide resistance! All it takes is a little time and effort, plus some solid information from knowledgeable resources. Consumers and homeowners can help prevent pesticide resistance in the following ways:

• Practice the concept of integrated pest management (IPM). The steps are: identify the pest(s), attempt to prevent the pest issue, monitor the populations and damage, determine a threshold, use control methods (nonchemical and chemical), and assess the performance of control tactics.

• When pesticide use is necessary, remember: THE LABEL IS THE LAW! Read the label thoroughly and follow the instructions carefully. Use only the amount recommended; do not overapply or underapply! Underapplying a pesticide can cause just as much resistance as overapplying. Underapplying a pesticide does not control your pest and puts chemicals into the environment unnecessarily.

• If chemical control is needed more than once in a growing season, vary the type of chemical you use. For example, let’s say that your pepper plants become infested with whitefly. Other control methods have failed and you need to apply a pesticide. The pesticide is effective, but then several weeks later, the problem recurs. If chemical control is necessary again, use a pesticide that has a different active ingredient than the first one selected. Varying the type of pesticide used can help keep pests from developing resistance.

Keep these actions in mind when a pest problem occurs, and help battle pest resistance to pesticides! 

For More Information, Please Visit:

• Introduction to Pesticide Resistance -- Pesticide Environmental Stewardship