Insect pest resistance : technological, biological and economic dimensions

Abstract

The literature on pest control technology, biology and economics is reviewed. The problem of resistance is considered in economic terms. Pest susceptibility is defined as a resource and because of a lack of property rights, there is a bias towards its rapid depletion. A lack of property rights for conserving technologies results in their under provision. As the costs of depletion are largely external costs, there is a divergence between decision-making at the individual and societal level. The options for dealing with the problem are identified and evaluated.

In the New Zealand apple industry, the basic problem has been exacerbated by an independent approach to fruit grading and pest control research, and by a failure of the latter to identify the economic aspects of resistance. The apple-pest system is interpreted as being on the verge of a resistance episode which could have serious national economic repercussions. The available options are identified and evaluated.