There has never been a better time or a greater need for resistance management

Abstract

Integrated pest management (IPM) and sustainable agriculture benefit from selective and environmentally benign crop-protection products. The performance of these products, however, is threatened by resistance. If it is to be prevented from standing in the path of progress, resistance must be managed. As agricultural practices move towards IPM and sustainable crop protection, selection pressure will be concentrated on products which are compatible with these systems. Producers, researchers, government and extension workers cannot solve these complex problems alone. The key to success is collaboration. The Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) was set up by the crop-protection industry in 1984 to promote and co-ordinate its contribution to resistance management. Today, it is collaborating with research institutes, government organisations and extension services to combat resistance. IRAC focuses on research and communication projects which reduce selection pressure, organising workshops in 'resistance hot spots' and providing input to draft legislation. Selected examples of IRAC's collaborative work are described.