Resistance is most likely to develop against which type of pesticides?

Resistance is most likely to develop against at-risk pesticides. These pesticides often target specific pests or pest groups more intensely, leading to selective pressure on those populations. When a particular pesticide is used repeatedly, it can create a scenario where the pests that are not affected by that pesticide survive and reproduce, gradually leading to a population that is resistant.

At-risk pesticides typically include those that have a single mode of action, making them particularly prone to resistance development. In contrast, minimal risk and environmentally safe pesticides usually have broader or less intense modes of action, which diminishes the likelihood of resistance. Broad-spectrum pesticides, while they can affect a wide range of pests, are not necessarily more prone to resistance than at-risk pesticides, especially if they are used less frequently or are combined with integrated pest management strategies. This differentiation is crucial for sustainable pest control practices, as relying solely on at-risk pesticides can result in significant resistance issues in the long term.