Which action is effective in preventing pesticide resistance?

Rotating the use of pesticides with different modes of action is an effective strategy for preventing pesticide resistance because it disrupts the potential for pests to adapt to a single chemical compound. When the same pesticide is used repeatedly, it exerts consistent selective pressure on pest populations, allowing those individuals that happen to have resistance traits to survive and reproduce. Over time, these resistant pests can dominate the population, leading to an overall decline in the effectiveness of that pesticide.

By alternating pesticides that have different modes of action, you limit the chances for pests to build resistance. This practice forces any surviving pests to encounter chemicals that they have not previously been exposed to, thus reducing the likelihood of developing resistance. It also maintains the effectiveness of the pesticides over a longer period, making pest management more sustainable and effective.

This approach is widely recommended in integrated pest management strategies, emphasizing the importance of diversity in control methods to preserve the efficacy of available pesticides.