Scientists Warn of Biopesticide Resistance Development

An international study involving scientists in the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Sweden conducted a synthesis of existing biopesticide research and concluded that insect pests are already evolving resistance to biopesticides and that this resistance is likely to increase as use of biopesticides becomes more widespread. The study authors warn that there is a five- to ten-year lead time to develop new biopesticides. In order to slow the development of resistance to current biopesticides, they recommend planting a wider diversity of crops and using multiple biopesticides.