Comparisons Between Resistance Management Strategies for Insects and Weeds

Abstract

Problems with insecticide resistance have long plagued the field of economic entomology. Genetic, biochemical, and ecological information on insects has been used to develop strategies to slow the rate of insecticide resistance evolution. Documented cases of herbicide resistance have increased dramatically over the past 10 yr. This paper compares some aspects of insect and weed biology that can be used in determining whether or not resistance management strategies developed for insects are likely to be useful in combating herbicide resistance. Differences between insects and weeds in terms of genetic architecture, mating systems, and population structure lead to differences in the expected efficacy of some resistance management strategies. Because of the localized population structure of some weeds, it may be easier to get farmers to participate in herbicide resistance management programs and avoid a “tragedy of the commons.” A review of the herbicide resistance literature reveals a number of areas of basic research on ecology and genetics of weeds that could help in designing more appropriate resistance management programs.