What does the term "systemic" refer to in pesticide application?

The term "systemic" refers to pesticides that are absorbed by the plant tissues and then distributed throughout the entire plant system. This absorption allows the active ingredients to move through the plant's vascular system, reaching areas that may be difficult to treat with surface applications. Systemic pesticides are especially effective for controlling pests that feed on the plant's sap or tissues, as they can directly target pests in various locations within the plant, including roots, stems, and leaves.

Surface-applied pesticides typically remain on the exterior and may wash off or degrade quickly, making them less effective for controlling pests that reside within the plant. Similarly, the term does not refer to localized applications or the degradation rate of the chemicals. The systemic nature of these pesticides ensures that as the plant grows, the chemical continues to provide protection against damaging pests.