Trends in insecticide resistance in North America

Authors: Allen, Kerry; Elkins, Blake

Submitted to: Global Trends in Pesticide Resistance
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/4/2025
Publication Date: 4/28/2026
Citation: Allen, K. C., and B. H. Elkins. Trends in insecticide resistance in North America. In Oliver, R. (ed.), Global trends in pesticide resistance, Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing, Cambridge, UK, 2026, (ISBN: 978 1 83545 137 3; www.bdspublishing.com)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.19103/AS.2025.0163.02

Interpretive Summary: Insecticides have long served as a primary tool for managing insect pest populations in North America agriculture, particularly since World War II. Their ability to act quickly against damaging pest outbreaks has helped farmers reduce yield losses and mitigate risks associated with insect feeding, though widespread use has also led to the development of insecticide resistance in targeted pest species – a challenge documented for more than a century. While insecticide use has fluctuated over time, advancements in modern chemistries and genetically modified crops have reduced usage in some systems, and resistance management practices have slowed resistance development to some extent; however, there is no indication that resistance evolution can be completely halted. Understanding these historical patterns enhances our ability to prolong the useful life of insecticide groups, equips farmers to make informed decisions, and ultimately strengthens both profitability and long-term sustainability in agricultural production. This research supports the Secretary of Agriculture’s priority of increasing profitability of farmers and ranchers.

Technical Abstract: Historically, the control of insect pests has largely been dependent on synthetic insecticides. The increased effectiveness of insecticides developed after WWII resulted in wide-scale applications on agricultural crops. A negative consequence of these applications was the development of resistance in targeted pests. Resistance has been an issue in North America for over 100 years. Insecticide use has fluctuated over time, but modern chemistries and genetically modified crops have contributed to a reduction in overall synthetic insecticide use in some areas. Resistance to insecticides continues to be a concern for agricultural production across North America. Resistance management has shown some ability to increase the helpful life and longevity of insecticide active ingredients, but there has been no indication that the development of resistance will stop, even with advanced technology and 50-plus years of resistance management practices. Because of this, the trends that we have been seeing since the implantation of Bt will likely continue until the development of new chemistries and modes of action.