Which term refers to pesticides that move within the plant, delivering control to areas not directly sprayed?

• A. Systemic Herbicides
• B. Contact Herbicides
• C. Non-Selective Pesticides
• D. Residual Pesticides

Answer: (A)

Pesticides that move inside a plant after uptake are described as systemic. When a systemic herbicide is absorbed by leaves or roots, it travels through the plant’s vascular system and reaches parts that weren’t sprayed, delivering control to new growth, growing points, and underground tissues. This translocation—through pathways like the xylem or phloem—lets the chemical affect areas beyond the application site, which is especially useful for weeds with deep roots or extensive root systems. Examples include commonly used systemic herbicides that move to meristems and roots, providing overall plant kill rather than just surface contact.

If a product acts only on contact, it would kill only the tissue it touches and wouldn’t move to other parts. A residual pesticide implies persistence in soil or media rather than movement within the plant. A non-selective pesticide describes the range of organisms it can affect, not how it moves inside the plant.