What would increase the likelihood of pesticide resistance?

The likelihood of pesticide resistance is increased by the continual use of pesticides from the same chemical class. This practice creates a selection pressure that allows pests to survive and reproduce despite the chemical exposure, as they may develop resistance to that specific chemical class over time. When a single class of pesticides is used repeatedly, any surviving pests that have developed resistance traits pass these traits on to their offspring, resulting in a population that is increasingly resistant to those pesticides.

In contrast, using a variety of pesticide classes can help delay resistance by ensuring that pests are exposed to different modes of action, which makes it harder for them to adapt. Employing non-chemical control methods and applying pesticides only when pests are identified also contribute to managing pest populations effectively and minimizing the risk of developing resistance. They foster an integrated pest management approach that balances chemical and non-chemical strategies, further reducing the selection pressure for resistance.