Insect populations develop resistance to an insecticide through a 'natural selection' process through which a few mutants in the population may tolerate the chemical better, while the susceptible insects succumb to it. Do not over use products. Generally, a maximum of three applications should be applied in any crop season, and no more than two consecutive sprays before switching to a product from another chemical activity group. Upon exposure to insecticides, insects that do not carry the resistance genes die, thus allowing the individuals with the resistance genes to survive and reproduce, creating more resistant insects. With every generation the number of resistant insects increases. Pesticides impact climate change throughout their manufacture, transport and application. When pesticides are made, three main greenhouse gases are emitted: carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. Resistant insects may absorb the toxin more slowly than susceptible insects. Penetration resistance occurs when the insect's outer cuticle develops barriers which can slow absorption of the chemicals into their bodies. This can protect insects from a wide range of insecticides.Pesticide resistance is the result of natural selection caused by the pesticide. Pests vulnerable to the pesticide die quickly, and therefore more resistant individuals stay alive. Also, naturally occurring genetic modification may produce individuals with resistance to the pesticide.
When insect pests become resistant to chemicals, it becomes challenging to control them using conventional pesticides. Farmers may need to use higher doses of pesticides or switch to more potent chemicals, which can lead to increased costs, environmental pollution, and potential harm to non-target organisms. In extreme cases, the loss of effective pesticides can lead to crop failure, reduced yields, and economic losses for farmers.
To avoid pesticide resistance, farmers can adopt integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that involve the use of multiple control methods, including biological control, crop rotation, use of resistant crop varieties, and cultural practices such as sanitation and pruning. IPM approaches can reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides and provide sustainable and effective pest management solutions.
Pesticides can also have significant impacts on climate change. Pesticides can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions during production, transportation, and application. The use of pesticides can also disrupt soil ecosystems, reduce soil carbon storage, and harm beneficial insects that contribute to carbon sequestration. Moreover, some pesticides can persist in the environment, contaminate water sources, and pose risks to human health.
To minimize the negative effects of pesticides on climate, it is essential to adopt sustainable agricultural practices that reduce the use of chemical pesticides. This can include the adoption of organic farming practices, agroforestry, and conservation agriculture. Reducing the use of chemical pesticides can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, preserve soil health, and maintain biodiversity. Additionally, alternative pest control methods such as biological control, pheromone traps, and physical barriers can also be used to minimize the use of chemical pesticides and promote sustainable agriculture.
I agree with Azza Fahmy that when eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to minimize the potential of increased exposure to a single pesticide. Thoroughly wash all produce, even that which is labeled organic and that which you plan to peel. Wash your produce under running water rather than soaking or dunking it. Rotating crops to reduce the use of the same pesticides season after season and reducing nutrient sources such as plant stubble that can harbor pathogens and insects. Pest control tactics may include: host resistance, biological control, cultural control, mechanical control, sanitation, and chemical control. Plowing, crop rotation, removal of infected plant material, cleaning of greenhouse and tillage equipment, and effective manure management are all cultural practices that are employed to deprive pests of a comfortable habitat or prevent their spread. Pesticides can also release GHG emissions after their application, with fumigant pesticides shown to significantly increase nitrous oxide production in soils. Many pesticides lead to the production of ground-level ozone, a greenhouse gas harmful to both humans and plants. Climate Change finds that about 30% of global emissions leading to climate change are attributable to agricultural activities, including pesticide use. Agricultural air pollution contributes to climate change in the form of greenhouse gas emissions and aerosols. Agricultural air pollution also contributes to odor. After deposition of reactive nitrogen, eutrophication and acidification can result and biodiversity is endangered. Much of the applied fertilizer runs off into waterways, or gets broken down by microbes in the soil, releasing the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide into the atmosphere. In response to resistance, managers may increase pesticide quantities/frequency, which exacerbates the problem. In addition, some pesticides are toxic toward species that feed on or compete with pests. This can paradoxically allow the pest population to expand, requiring more pesticides.Resistant insects may absorb the toxin more slowly than susceptible insects. Penetration resistance occurs when the insect's outer cuticle develops barriers which can slow absorption of the chemicals into their bodies. This can protect insects from a wide range of insecticides. The adverse effects of insecticide resistance include crop losses, increased production costs, increased environmental hazards, and socio-economic problems.