Which of the following practices should be avoided to reduce the likelihood of pesticide resistance?

Applying the same pesticide repeatedly is a practice that should be avoided to help reduce the likelihood of pesticide resistance. When a specific pesticide is used continuously, it exerts selective pressure on the target pest population, allowing those pests that possess or acquire resistance to survive and reproduce. Over time, this leads to a population of pests that may no longer be effectively controlled by that pesticide, making pest management increasingly challenging.

In contrast, rotating pesticides with different modes of action, using pesticides only when necessary, and employing cover crops to manage pest populations are strategies designed to mitigate the development of resistance. Rotating pesticides disrupt the life cycle of the pests by preventing them from becoming too accustomed to a single chemical. Using pesticides only when necessary minimizes exposure and reduces the chances of resistance building up. Similarly, cover crops can help manage pest populations by providing alternative methods of control that do not rely solely on chemical pesticides. These practices work together to maintain the effectiveness of pest control strategies and promote sustainable agricultural practices.