What is a common effect of using resistant crop varieties in pest management?

Utilizing resistant crop varieties in pest management primarily leads to a reduced reliance on chemical pesticides. This is because resistant varieties are bred to withstand specific pests or diseases, thereby decreasing the likelihood of infestations and the need for pesticide applications. The efficiency of these crops in managing pest populations allows farmers to use fewer chemical treatments, which not only benefits the environment but can also lead to cost savings in the long run. By making use of these resistant varieties, agricultural practices can become more sustainable and less dependent on synthetic chemicals, contributing to integrated pest management strategies.

The potential effects of increased pest populations, lower crop yields, and higher production costs typically relate to the failure of pest management strategies or poor farming practices, rather than the adoption of resistant crop varieties. In fact, one of the primary goals of using resistant varieties is to mitigate these issues.