What are the characteristics of systemic pesticides?

Systemic pesticides are defined by their ability to be absorbed by plants, allowing them to provide internal protection against pests. When applied, these pesticides move throughout the plant's tissues, including leaves, stems, and roots, which enables them to control pests that may feed on different parts of the plant. This internal distribution system means that even if pests do not come into direct contact with the pesticide at the time of application, they can still be affected when they consume the treated plant material.

In contrast, options discussing surface efficacy or immediate contact effectiveness do not apply to systemic pesticides, as their protective capabilities extend beyond the exterior and require time to distribute within the plant system. Additionally, while cost and ease of application may vary among different pesticide formulations, these factors are not inherent characteristics of systemic pesticides themselves. Therefore, the unique feature of systemic pesticides is their ability to provide internalized protection through absorption, establishing why that choice is the correct one.