How does seed treatment contribute to pest resistance management?

• A. By rotating modes of action and avoiding overreliance on a single active ingredient to slow resistance development.
• B. By using the same active ingredient at higher rates.
• C. By applying seed treatment after harvest.
• D. By only using foliar sprays.

Answer: (C)

Pest resistance management hinges on varied, not constant, pressure on pest populations. Seed treatment contributes to this by rotating modes of action and avoiding overreliance on a single active ingredient, which slows the development of resistance. When different chemistries are used across seasons or crops, pests encounter alternating challenges, making it harder for resistance traits to become widespread. This approach keeps seed protections effective longer and fits into an integrated pest management strategy alongside monitoring and other practices. Using the same active ingredient at higher rates increases selection pressure and speeds resistance, applying seed treatment after harvest misses the critical seedling protection window, and relying only on foliar sprays ignores the early, seed-protected stage.