What does chemical resistance management aim to achieve?

Chemical resistance management is a strategic approach aimed at preventing or mitigating the development of resistance in pest populations to the pesticides used against them. Resistance can occur when pests adapt to the chemicals that have been used repeatedly, leading to failures in pest control and increased pesticide application. By implementing resistance management practices, such as integrating different modes of action, rotating chemicals, and monitoring pest populations, applicators can effectively maintain the efficacy of pesticides over time. This ultimately helps ensure that pest management remains effective and sustainable, preserving the functionality of existing chemical controls while also protecting the ecosystem from negative impacts associated with increased chemical use.

In contrast, increasing pesticide efficacy or enhancing crop yields, while important goals in agriculture, are not the primary focus of chemical resistance management. Additionally, reducing pesticide application rates can be a component of responsible pest management but is not an objective of resistance management itself.