A novel and general strategy for the management of plant genes for pest or pathogen resistance is presented. The strategy utilizes F2 hybrids produced from two parents similar in agronomic and quality traits but which differ in their plant genes for resistance to a pest or pathogen. The grower would plant F2 hybrid seed that should allow for the expression of hybrid vigor for agronomic and quality traits while presenting a diverse population of plants to the pest or pathogen in which individual plants differ for their pest resistance genotype. This strategy will be suitable especially in self-pollinated crops like cotton (Gossypium spp.) where there is no significant effect of inbreeding depression.This simulates nature where the pest or pathogen is exposed to a population of host plants that differ in resistance genes. This strategy should delay or minimize the selection of a dominant pest or pathogen biotype that can damage and reproduce on the resistant plants resulting in the loss of the usefulness of the resistant genes. Careful selection of individual genes should allow this strategy to utilize the advantages of strong vertical resistance genes while maintaining the sustainability advantages of horizontal resistance. This strategy also provides for a refuge of a small percentage of the plants in an F2 population which do not carry any resistance genes, thus providing an additional benefit in resistance management against genetically engineered pest resistant crops. However, this method will not be suitable for crops with significant effect of inbreeding depression.