What are systemic pesticides?

Systemic pesticides are defined by their ability to be absorbed by plants and then transported throughout their tissues. This characteristic allows these pesticides to reach areas where pests may be feeding or residing, even if they are not directly contacted during application. When systemic pesticides are used, they travel through the vascular system of the plant, providing a more effective means of pest management for issues such as insect infestations or certain diseases, particularly when those pests are known to target parts of the plant that are not accessible to topical treatments.

In relation to the other options, contact insecticides kill pests immediately upon contact, which is a different mode of action than that of systemic pesticides. Pesticides that are solely applied to the soil do not necessarily imply absorption or transit through the plant's tissues; they might also act as soil treatments that affect pests within the soil. Finally, the form of application—whether liquid or otherwise—does not define the classification of a pesticide as systemic; systemic pesticides may come in various forms, including granular or liquid formulations.