What can be an effect of pesticide overuse?

The development of pest resistance is a significant effect of pesticide overuse. When pesticides are used excessively or improperly, some pests can survive the applications due to genetic traits that confer resistance. These survivors breed, passing their resistance traits to the next generation, leading to a population that is increasingly difficult to control with the same pesticide. Over time, this can create a pest population that may require more toxic or higher rates of pesticide application, ultimately leading to increased costs, environmental harm, and a cycle of dependency on chemical controls.

In contrast, while improved soil fertility and increased crop yield are ideal goals in agricultural practices, they are not direct results of pesticide overuse. In fact, overreliance on pesticides can lead to negative outcomes for soil health and biodiversity. Similarly, pesticide overuse does not influence weather patterns such as rainfall, as they are primarily determined by larger climate systems. Therefore, focusing on the development of pest resistance reflects a key concern in sustainable agriculture and pest management strategies.