What is a common effect of not following pesticide application guidelines?

Not following pesticide application guidelines can lead to increased susceptibility to pest resistance. When pesticides are misused or overused, pests can develop resistance to these chemicals due to selective pressure. This occurs because not all individuals within a pest population may be affected equally; some may survive the application and reproduce, leading to a new generation that is less susceptible to that pesticide. This can result in a cycle of needing to use stronger or different pesticides, making it more challenging to manage pest populations effectively while also increasing costs and potential environmental risks.

In contrast, options like higher crop yields, reduced environmental impact, and improved soil quality are generally associated with proper adherence to application guidelines, rather than the consequences of ignoring them. Following guidelines helps ensure that pesticides are used effectively and sustainably, ultimately contributing to better agricultural practices and health of the ecosystem.