What does pesticide resistance refer to?

Pesticide resistance refers to the process by which pest populations—typically insects, weeds, or pathogens—develop the ability to survive exposure to chemicals designed to eliminate them. This occurs through natural selection; those individuals with genetic mutations that confer resistance to the pesticide are more likely to survive and reproduce. As a result, subsequent generations of pests increasingly possess traits that make them less susceptible to the pesticide, ultimately diminishing its effectiveness over time.

This situation highlights the ongoing arms race between pest control practices and the adaptive capabilities of pests. The development of resistance can lead to challenges in agricultural productivity, as previously effective pesticides become less useful, prompting the need for alternative approaches to pest management.