Which factor listed influences resistance development as a factor?

Which factor listed influences resistance development as a factor?

• A. The habitat of beneficial insects
• B. The proportion of the population exposed to the pesticide
• C. The pH of water
• D. The palatability of bait

Answer: (B)

Resistance develops when a pesticide creates a selection pressure that favors survivors with traits allowing them to withstand the chemical. The more of the pest population that is exposed, the stronger that selection pressure becomes, because susceptible individuals are killed while any resistant individuals live and reproduce. As a result, the frequency of resistance traits in the population increases over time, accelerating resistance development. If only a small portion is exposed, fewer resistant individuals are left to pass on their traits, so resistance rises more slowly. Other factors like the habitat of beneficial insects, water pH, or bait palatability affect control or ecology but don’t drive resistance development as directly as how many pests are exposed to the pesticide. To slow resistance, use integrated pest management and rotate chemistries, apply only as needed, and combine chemical controls with non-chemical methods.

Resistance develops when a pesticide creates a selection pressure that favors survivors with traits allowing them to withstand the chemical. The more of the pest population that is exposed, the stronger that selection pressure becomes, because susceptible individuals are killed while any resistant individuals live and reproduce. As a result, the frequency of resistance traits in the population increases over time, accelerating resistance development. If only a small portion is exposed, fewer resistant individuals are left to pass on their traits, so resistance rises more slowly. Other factors like the habitat of beneficial insects, water pH, or bait palatability affect control or ecology but don’t drive resistance development as directly as how many pests are exposed to the pesticide. To slow resistance, use integrated pest management and rotate chemistries, apply only as needed, and combine chemical controls with non-chemical methods.