Pesticide resistance is a growing problem in agriculture, costing billions of dollars in crop losses and chemical use. Known as the “pesticide treadmill,” repeated use of the same chemical leads pests, weeds, and plant pathogens to develop resistance, requiring even more pesticide.

Examples include mosquitoes resistant to malaria-control pesticides, pigweed resistant to Roundup, and hydrilla no longer controlled by its preferred herbicide.

How to apply pesticides responsibly:

• Use mechanical methods and natural products first
• Apply chemicals only as a last resort and in targeted spot treatments
• Use pesticides labeled for the specific pest
• Rotate among different chemical types to prevent resistance
• Choose pest-tolerant plants and remove debris to reduce pest habitats
• Follow mixing and application instructions carefully

Read the full article: The Overuse and Misuse of Pesticides