What is an important consequence of excessive pesticide use in cotton farming?

An important consequence of excessive pesticide use in cotton farming is increased pest resistance. When pesticides are overused, pests can develop resistance over time due to selective pressure. Some individuals within a pest population may have genetic traits that allow them to survive exposure to certain pesticides. As these resistant individuals reproduce, they pass on their resistance to the next generation, making it more challenging to control pest populations with the same chemicals. This cycle can lead to a situation where farmers need to apply even stronger or multiple pesticides to achieve effective control, further worsening the resistance problem and often leading to greater environmental and economic impacts.

The other options do not accurately reflect the consequences of excessive pesticide use. Improved soil health tends to decline with high pesticide use, as beneficial microorganisms can be harmed. Enhanced fiber strength typically relates to other agricultural practices rather than pesticide application, and lower water consumption is not a direct outcome of pesticide use; in fact, pesticide applications can sometimes require more water for dilution or application processes.