What are systemic pesticides?

Systemic pesticides are defined as those that are absorbed by plants and then distributed throughout their tissues. This method allows the pesticide to become integrated into various plant parts, including leaves, stems, roots, and flowers. When pests feed on any part of the plant, they are exposed to the pesticide, which can result in effective control of the pest even if the pesticide was not directly applied to the insect itself.

This systemic approach is particularly beneficial for managing certain pests that may be hard to reach or those that tend to feed on the plant over time, enabling prolonged effectiveness. Additionally, systemic pesticides can minimize the need for repeated applications, as the insect-control substance is present within the plant for an extended period.

Other options such as contact pesticides refer to a different mode of action, where the pesticide must come into direct contact with the pest to be effective, rather than being reliant on the plant to carry the pesticide. Pesticides that require high temperatures for effectiveness are typically linked to specific formulations or application methods, not broadly classified as systemic. Lastly, while there are pesticides deemed safe for beneficial insects, the classification of 'systemic' does not inherently relate to the safety of non-target species and depends significantly on the chemical and its mode of action.