What is cross resistance?

Cross resistance refers specifically to the phenomenon where a pest that has developed resistance to one chemical pesticide also exhibits resistance to other pesticides within the same chemical class. This occurs because the mechanism of resistance—like alterations in target sites or metabolic pathways—is similar among the pesticides in that class. As a result, when a pest evolves to survive a specific chemical exposure, it can also become resistant to others in that category, limiting the effectiveness of a range of similar products used for pest control.

This understanding is critical for pest management strategies because if a pest is resistant to one pesticide in a class, using other pesticides in the same class may not be effective. Therefore, pest management needs to incorporate rotation of different classes of chemicals, integrating non-chemical control methods, or using pest-resistant crop varieties to maintain effective pest control and delay the development of resistance.