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

Mehl, A., Langewald, J., Martinelli, S., Rossi, C.V.S. and A Wiles, J. In recent times, pesticide resistance has been managed reasonably effectively, either proactively or reactively, by monitoring resis-tance of pest biotypes and the rotation of products with different modes of action (MoAs). However, increased regulation is dramat-ically limiting the range of MoAs available to farmers, especially in Europe. Innovation and replenishment with new MoAs fromindustry cannot keep pace with this loss, leaving the need for pragmatic choices in how to manage pests effectively through allmethods available. This is crucial for integrated pest management (IPM) adoption to support sustainable crop production. Herewe consider the current situation for insecticides, herbicides and fungicides in Europe and suggest that, despite the emergingIPM options, in many cropping systems, the need for a pesticide component remains essential. As part of efficient IPM or resistancemanagement (RM) strategies, the availability of a range of effective pesticide MoAs will be essential. In addition, for more productiveand sustainable agricultural systems, all stakeholders, including the agrochemical industry, farmers/growers, advisory services, theresearch community and policy/decision makers of Europe should try to improve communication. This will be the only way to ensurethe future production of sufficient, high-quality crops, at a time when there are many threats to food security in Europe.