What major pest led to the need for stronger pesticides due to pesticide resistance?

The Colorado potato beetle is a significant pest in agriculture, particularly in potato production. This pest has demonstrated a remarkable ability to develop resistance to various classes of insecticides over the years. As a result, farmers have found it increasingly challenging to manage this pest effectively using traditional chemical controls. The emergence of pesticide resistance among the Colorado potato beetle has prompted the agricultural industry to seek stronger and more effective pesticides.

The continued evolution of resistance in this beetle has led to the development of newer, more potent formulations that can manage resistant populations. This dynamic illustrates the ongoing arms race between pest populations and pest management strategies, wherein the need for stronger pesticides arises primarily from the beetle's increasing resistance. Understanding the mechanisms of this resistance and the lifecycle of the pest helps farmers to implement integrated pest management strategies beyond reliance on chemical controls alone.