Ace the Georgia Pesticide Applicators Exam 2025 – Cultivate Your Success and Protect the Peach State!

The primary cause of pest resistance is the continuous application of the same pesticide against a specific pest. When a particular pesticide is used repeatedly, it exerts a selective pressure on the pest population. This means that pests that are susceptible to the pesticide are eliminated, while those that have natural resistance or that develop resistance over time survive and reproduce. As a result, the population shifts towards individuals that can withstand the pesticide, making it less effective over time.

In contrast, practices such as crop rotation or the use of organic pesticides generally promote biodiversity and can reduce the chances of developing resistance. Fertilizers may enhance plant growth and vigor but do not play a direct role in pest resistance dynamics. Therefore, repeated application of the same chemical without incorporating integrated pest management strategies can lead to a significant decline in a pesticide’s effectiveness due to resistance development.