MDARD Michigan Core Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Which factor contributes significantly to pest resistance?

1. Using different pest control techniques

2. Regularly rotating pesticide applications

3. Employing the same active ingredient repetitively

4. Reducing application frequency

The correct answer is: Employing the same active ingredient repetitively

The choice regarding employing the same active ingredient repetitively highlights a key issue in pest management known as "pest resistance." When a specific pesticide is used consistently, pests can develop resistance to that active ingredient over time. This occurs because individuals that happen to possess genetic traits allowing them to survive the pesticide application will reproduce, passing those resistance traits on to the next generation. As a result, the population becomes increasingly resistant to that particular chemical, leading to a cycle where more of that pesticide is required to achieve the same level of control, or it may become entirely ineffective. Alternately, utilizing a variety of pest control techniques and regularly rotating pesticide applications are important strategies for managing pest populations and preventing resistance. These approaches promote biodiversity in pest control and reduce the chance that any single pest population will become predominately resistant. Reducing application frequency can also help minimize selection pressure on the pest populations but does not directly contribute to the development of resistance like repetitive use of the same pesticide does.