Which of the following methods would be most effective in preventing the evolution of pesticide resistance?
A)Using more pesticide whenever resistance appears in the pest population
B)Applying pesticides to the soil before planting and after harvesting a crop
C)Using pesticides only during major outbreaks of pests
D)Using crop rotation and biological controls instead of pesticides

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Using crop rotation and biological controls instead of pesticides is the most effective method in preventing the evolution of pesticide resistance. This method reduces selection pressure on the pest population, thereby reducing the likelihood of the emergence and spread of resistant individuals. Additionally, crop rotation minimizes the buildup of pest populations as it interrupts their life-cycle stages, while biological controls support the presence of natural predators that regulate pest numbers. Using pesticides only during major outbreaks of pests is also advisable as it can reduce the frequency of pesticide use, but it may not be as effective as the other options. Using more pesticide whenever resistance appears in the pest population will only exacerbate the problem and lead to stronger, more resilient pests. Applying pesticides to the soil before planting and after harvesting a crop, while helpful, is not as effective at reducing selection pressure as crop rotation and biological controls.

Which of the Following Methods Would Be Most Effective in Preventing