What is the key characteristic of a systemic pesticide?

The key characteristic of a systemic pesticide is that it is absorbed and translocated within the plant. Systemic pesticides are designed to enter the plant through roots, leaves, or stems and are carried throughout the plant's tissues. This characteristic allows them to target pests that may not be in direct contact with the pesticide at the time of application, as they can affect pests feeding on the plant at a later time.

Unlike contact pesticides that only affect the area where they are applied, systemic pesticides provide more prolonged and effective control of pests that live inside the plant or feed on its tissues. This makes them particularly useful for managing various types of pests, including insects and diseases that penetrate or feed on plant interiors.

In comparison, a volatile pesticide would refer to one that evaporates readily, which is not specific to systemic action. Pesticides effective only on contact do not possess the ability to be translocated within the plant, and biodegradability indicates how quickly a chemical breaks down in the environment, which does not directly relate to its systemic properties.