What is one benefit of using resistant plant varieties in pest management?

Using resistant plant varieties in pest management significantly reduces the need for pesticide applications. When plants are bred or selected for their resistance to specific pests, they can withstand pest attacks more effectively than non-resistant varieties. As a result, fewer chemical interventions are necessary to control pest populations, which not only lowers the financial expenditure associated with purchasing and applying pesticides but also lessens the environmental impact of pesticide use.

This strategy contributes to a more sustainable agricultural practice, allowing for better ecosystem balance and reduced risk of developing pesticide-resistant pest populations. The other options may not necessarily align with the primary benefit associated with resistant plant varieties; for example, while resistant plants can lead to lower pest pressure, they do not inherently result in lower production costs or faster growth rates, nor do they increase labor requirements.