What term describes species that have been modified to be resistant to specific pests?

The term that accurately describes species that have been modified to be resistant to specific pests is "host resistance." This concept refers to the inherent ability of a plant or organism to fend off or withstand pest attacks, often due to selective breeding or biotechnological approaches that enhance certain traits.

In the context of pest management, host resistance is vital because it allows for sustainable agricultural practices. By cultivating crops that are naturally resistant to pests, farmers can reduce their reliance on chemical pesticides, which can have adverse effects on both the environment and human health. This approach can lead to healthier ecosystems, improved crop yields, and reduced production costs.

Genetic modification is a broader term that encompasses various biotechnological methods to alter an organism's DNA, which may result in host resistance, but it does not exclusively refer to the concept of resistance to pests. Pesticide resistance specifically describes the ability of pests themselves to survive exposure to pesticides, rather than the modification of the host plant. Natural immunity refers to non-specific defenses present in organisms, which is different from the targeted modifications seen in host resistance.