Pesticide Resistance

Pesticide resistance occurs when pests, such as insects or weeds, evolve to survive exposure to chemicals that are meant to eliminate them. Over time, some pests develop genetic mutations that allow them to withstand these substances. This often results from repeated use of the same pesticide, which can kill off susceptible individuals while leaving resistant ones to reproduce. As a result, these resistant populations grow, making it harder to control them using traditional methods. This challenge highlights the importance of integrated pest management strategies and rotating different pesticides to help preserve their effectiveness.