What is a major implication of pesticide resistance?

The major implication of pesticide resistance is the reduced effectiveness of pesticide products. When pests develop resistance to certain pesticides, these chemicals become less effective, leading to challenges in pest control. This can result in farmers needing to apply higher doses or use alternative products, which can be more costly and labor-intensive. Over time, this can lead to a cycle where pests become resistant to multiple types of pesticides, creating an escalating problem for agricultural practices.

In contrast, increased safety measures and the formation of new pesticide regulations are responses to the challenges posed by pesticide use but are not direct implications of resistance itself. Similarly, while it might seem that lower production costs could result from an adapted pest control strategy, the reality is often an increase in costs due to the need for more frequent or diverse applications. Thus, understanding pesticide resistance's role in effective pest management is crucial for sustainable agriculture.