What is a systemic pesticide?

A systemic pesticide is one that penetrates the plant and is absorbed into its tissues. This type of pesticide can be transported throughout the plant, allowing it to affect not just the parts of the plant that are directly sprayed, but also those that are further away. Systemic pesticides are particularly useful because they can target pests that feed on inner plant tissues, where contact pesticides would not be effective.

In contrast, a pesticide that remains on the surface does not have the penetrating ability to reach deeper tissues, making it less effective against certain types of pests that might not come into direct contact with the treated surfaces. Furthermore, a pesticide that is effective only in soil may not target specific pests that are above ground, while a pesticide that acts quickly upon contact does not imply any absorption or transport within the plant, limiting its effectiveness to immediate contact with pests. This distinction is crucial in understanding how different types of pesticides operate and their applications in pest management.