Author : Whalon, Mark E; Norris, Deborah L.

Summary : Abstract: Pest resistance is the evolutionary process whereby pests and pathogens adapt to the strategies, tactics, and tools used to suppress target populations. "Resistance management" is the science of ameliorating or preventing resistance from developing. Since genetically engineered plants will deliver highly effective means for reducing pest populations, most pest management experts agree that pests will develop resistance to transgenic plants unless appropriate resistance management strategies are undertaken. This chapter seeks to relate various approaches that research managers and directors of research institutes can use to insure the durability of pest resistance of transgenic plants. In the end, implementing either polygenic traits or the high-dose, large-area susceptible pest refugia is the most likely strategy to yield long-term use-life of transgenic plants once they are released into the field. No transgenic plants should be commercially released into the field unless the project is implemented in the context of integrated pest management.