The best approach is to avoid or minimize pest problems before they occur (e.g. an integrated pest management approach). A few easily implemented tactics include:

• Choose pest-resistant plant varieties.
• Avoid over-fertilization, which often predisposes plants to pest infestations.
• Practice good sanitation practices (e.g. remove or plow under crop debris, clean equipment to avoid introducing pests to non-infested areas).
• Select planting dates to avoid potential pest problems.

If pesticide use is warranted and a risk of pesticide resistance development is identified, a Resistance Risk Management approach should be followed. The following list details points of concern for both application equipment and pesticide applications.

• Application equipment
  • Calibrate and maintain
  • Choose proper application equipment, spray pattern, droplet size, etc. to achieve best coverage
• Pesticide applications
  • Limit applications during the season
  • Alternate pesticide mode of action (MOA) or use mixes of products with different MOAs when allowed, to avoid use of a single MOA
  • Time pesticide applications for greatest effect (e.g. Target applications during times when the pest is most vulnerable.).
  • Use forecasting systems or alerts when available to make the most informed management decision.
  • Use recommended dose rates. Do not increase dose rate when efficacy appears reduced and avoid using lower dosages at all times.
  • Positively identify the problem and do not make assumptions. Expert consultation may be required (e.g. extension agent, state diagnostic lab, crop consultant, etc.). This will ensure that the proper pesticide can be chosen for control and avoid unnecessary applications (e.g. When the problem is actually an abiotic problem that is mistaken for a pest problem.).

1. OEEP/EPPO (European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization). 1999. Efficacy evaluation of plant protection products: Resistance risk analysis. EPPO Standard PP 1/213(2). OEEP/EPPO bulletin 29: 325-47.
2. Russell, P. 2003. Taking the path of least resistance. Pesticide Outlook 14 (2): 57-61.

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E. Bush, last updated 12/19/05

Virginia Cooperative Extension - Virginia Agriculture & Experiment Station