What is a systemic pesticide?

A systemic pesticide is defined as a chemical that is absorbed and translocated within a plant or animal. This means that when a systemic pesticide is applied, it can be taken up by the plant's roots or leaves and distributed throughout its tissues, allowing it to affect pests that may feed on the plant even if they do not come into direct contact with the pesticide. This property makes systemic pesticides particularly effective for controlling certain types of pests, as they can eliminate insects or pathogens that are hidden within the plant.

This contrasts with surface-only pesticides, which are effective only at the point of contact and do not penetrate the plant tissues. Additionally, the rapid degradation of chemicals in the environment or the mode of action that affects pests only through contact are not defining characteristics of systemic pesticides. Instead, the key feature is their ability to move within the organism, providing a more comprehensive approach to pest management by targeting pests that may be feeding inside the plant.