Which method can help prevent the development of pesticide resistance?

Implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies is an effective method for preventing the development of pesticide resistance. IPM involves a comprehensive approach to pest control that combines multiple tactics to manage pests more sustainably. This approach reduces the reliance on any single method, including chemical pesticides, by incorporating cultural, biological, and mechanical techniques alongside chemical ones when necessary.

By using a variety of control strategies, IPM helps to avoid the constant exposure of pests to the same active ingredients, which is a primary cause of resistance development. Additionally, IPM promotes the use of thresholds to determine when pesticide application is truly necessary, further minimizing unnecessary treatments that could lead to resistance.

This contrasts with the alternative strategies, which can exacerbate resistance issues. For instance, the repeated use of the same pesticide can lead to pests developing resistance to that specific chemical over time, as their populations may evolve to survive it. Applying pesticides only at full strength doesn't necessarily contribute to resistance management and may result in more environmental impact. Moreover, applying pesticides during storms is not a management strategy that would help in preventing resistance and can lead to ineffective application and higher runoff risks.