Which practice is most likely to enhance pest resistance?

The practice that most likely enhances pest resistance is overreliance on chemical pesticides. When chemical pesticides are used excessively or as the primary method of pest control, it can lead to the rapid development of resistance among pest populations. This occurs because the pests that survive the chemical application are often those that have genetic traits allowing them to withstand the chemicals. As these resistant individuals reproduce, the overall population becomes increasingly resistant to the pesticide, making it less effective over time.

In contrast, integrated pest management, regular crop rotation, and using multiple pest control methods are practices designed to reduce pest populations sustainably and minimize the chances of resistance. They encourage the use of a variety of tactics that disrupt pest life cycles, enhance biodiversity, and reduce reliance on any single control method, which can mitigate the risk of resistance development. Therefore, while the use of chemical pesticides might initially control pests effectively, overreliance can ultimately lead to greater issues with resistance.