Which statement best describes a translocated (systemic) herbicide?

Which statement best describes a translocated (systemic) herbicide?

• A. Moves within the plant to reach roots
• B. Acts only on surface foliage
• C. Is always non-selective
• D. Is used only in soil for weeds

Answer: (A)

Systemic (translocated) herbicides are absorbed by the plant and then moved through its vascular system to tissues away from the application site, such as roots and new growth. This internal movement lets the chemical affect parts of the plant that weren’t touched initially, which is crucial for controlling perennial weeds that survive with underground storage organs. The statement that best describes this is that it moves within the plant to reach roots. By contrast, products that act only on surface foliage are contact herbicides and don’t move inside the plant. Systemic herbicides aren’t inherently non-selective—they can be either selective or non-selective depending on the product—and they aren’t limited to soil application, as many are applied foliarly.

Systemic (translocated) herbicides are absorbed by the plant and then moved through its vascular system to tissues away from the application site, such as roots and new growth. This internal movement lets the chemical affect parts of the plant that weren’t touched initially, which is crucial for controlling perennial weeds that survive with underground storage organs. The statement that best describes this is that it moves within the plant to reach roots. By contrast, products that act only on surface foliage are contact herbicides and don’t move inside the plant. Systemic herbicides aren’t inherently non-selective—they can be either selective or non-selective depending on the product—and they aren’t limited to soil application, as many are applied foliarly.