Pesticide resistance is the adaptation of pest species targeted by a pesticide resulting in decreased susceptibility to that chemical. Pesticide resistance develops following repeated use of the same or similar pesticides in attempts to control a pest. The regular and repeated use of one particular pesticide results in the selection of populations of the pest that are resistant to that pesticide and to chemically related pesticides.
Glyphosate resistant pigweed species, in particular waterhemp and Palmer amaranth, and glyphosate tolerant common ragweed may be difficult for South Dakota producers to control in the coming seasons. Also of concern is Bt resistant European Corn Borer. Some diseases are also exhibiting resistance to the fungicides producers use to protect their crops.
To prevent a pest species from from becoming resistant (or more resistant) to a pesticide, product labels may need to be expanded to include more detailed information about the product, pesticide group number, product mode of action, and a resistance management plan for the product user.
More information regarding insecticide resistance may be found from the Insect Resistance Action Committee and Arthropod Pesticide Resistance Database.
More information regarding herbicide resistance may be found from the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee.