Challenges facing the management of pesticide resistance in weeds, diseases and insect pests in European agriculture and the future of effective IPM implementation

TL;DR

Pesticide resistance is becoming harder to manage in Europe due to stricter regulations and fewer available pesticide options, making effective integrated pest management more critical for sustainable agriculture.

Contribution

The paper highlights the challenges of pesticide resistance management and emphasizes the need for improved stakeholder communication to support sustainable IPM in Europe.

Findings

Regulation is reducing the number of pesticide modes of action available to farmers in Europe.

Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies require a range of effective pesticide modes of action to be successful.

Improved communication among stakeholders is essential for sustainable crop production and food security.

Abstract

In recent times, pesticide resistance has been managed reasonably effectively, either proactively or reactively, by monitoring resistance of pest biotypes and the rotation of products with different modes of action (MoAs). However, increased regulation is dramatically limiting the range of MoAs available to farmers, especially in Europe. Innovation and replenishment with new MoAs from industry cannot keep pace with this loss, leaving the need for pragmatic choices in how to manage pests effectively through all methods available. This is crucial for integrated pest management (IPM) adoption to support sustainable crop production. Here we consider the current situation for insecticides, herbicides and fungicides in Europe and suggest that, despite the emerging IPM options, in many cropping systems, the need for a pesticide component remains essential. As part of efficient IPM or resistance management (RM) strategies, the availability of a range of effective pesticide MoAs will be essential. In addition, for more productive and sustainable agricultural systems, all stakeholders, including the agrochemical industry, farmers/growers, advisory services, the research community and policy/decision makers of Europe should try to improve communication. This will be the only way to ensure the future production of sufficient, high‐quality crops, at a time when there are many threats to food security in Europe. © 2026 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Opinion on pesticide resistance and management in the European Union (EU) and United Kingdom (UK) is presented cognisant of changes in regulation that impact on mode of action availability and cropping system choice.

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