Which is a potential consequence of not managing pesticide resistance effectively?

Not managing pesticide resistance effectively can lead to higher pest populations. This occurs because when pests develop resistance to certain pesticides, those compounds become less effective or even ineffective in controlling them. As a result, farmers may face increasing numbers of resistant pests that are harder to manage. This situation can escalate, requiring more frequent or higher doses of application, potentially leading to an even greater cycle of resistance. Ultimately, this can negatively impact agricultural productivity and increase the cost of pest management strategies.

In contrast, while some might mistakenly think that higher pest populations could lead to increased crop variety or lower costs, the reality is that ineffective pest control often leads to greater damage to crops and the need for alternative pest management solutions, which can be more costly and less effective. Enhanced pest control would not occur without effective resistance management.