What does the term 'pest resistance' refer to in the context of Integrated Pest Management?

The term 'pest resistance' in the context of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) specifically refers to the ability of certain pests to withstand pesticide applications. This phenomenon occurs when pests develop adaptive traits that enable them to survive treatments that would otherwise be effective against them. Over time, with repeated exposure to specific pesticides, the genetic structure of pest populations can shift, leading to a larger proportion of individuals that are resistant to those chemicals. This poses a significant challenge in pest management, as resistant populations can grow and spread, rendering previously effective pesticides less useful.

In contrast, the other options refer to different concepts that do not accurately define pest resistance in the IPM context. For instance, the idea of insects surviving various pest management strategies encompasses a broader range of survival tactics beyond just resistance to pesticides. Similarly, plants incapable of being affected by pests describes a different condition known as pest tolerance or resistance in plants, which is not the same as pest resistance in pests. Human resistance to infestations is unrelated to the resistance of pests themselves and pertains more to how humans can manage or respond to pest issues. Therefore, the definition provided in the correct answer aligns directly with the specifics of pest resistance relevant to IPM practices.