QAL Laws & Regulation Practice Exam

What is a defining feature of a systemic pesticide?

1. It evaporates quickly into the air

2. It is absorbed and circulated within the plant

3. It kills pests on contact with the treatment surface

4. It is used solely for soil treatment

The correct answer is: It is absorbed and circulated within the plant

A defining feature of a systemic pesticide is that it is absorbed and circulated within the plant. This property allows systemic pesticides to be effective against pests that feed on the plant, as the pesticide is distributed throughout the various plant tissues. Insects that ingest parts of the plant, whether they are feeding on the leaves, stems, or roots, will inadvertently consume the pesticide, leading to their control. The ability to move within the plant makes systemic pesticides particularly valuable in managing pests that are not easily reached by surface treatments. This characteristic sets systemic pesticides apart from contact pesticides, which primarily act on the surface and must encounter the pest directly to be effective. Additionally, systemic pesticides can provide longer-lasting protection since they remain active within the plant as it grows and develops, offering sustained defense against infestations. This property emphasizes the importance of understanding how different types of pesticides function in agricultural practices, as it influences the choice of pesticide for specific pests and crops.