FFA Floriculture Practice Test

What type of insecticides are translocated throughout the plant and kill any insects that feed on it?

1. Contact

2. Systemic

3. Residual

4. Biorational

The correct answer is: Systemic

The correct choice indicates systemic insecticides, which are specifically designed to be absorbed by the plant and translocated throughout its tissues. This characteristic allows systemic insecticides to remain active within the plant over an extended period. When insects feed on any part of the treated plant, they ingest the insecticide, leading to their death. This mode of action is particularly useful for managing pests that can be difficult to control with other types of insecticides, such as those that hide within the plant or feed directly on plant tissues. In contrast, contact insecticides work only when they directly touch the insect, not providing any protection to those pests that are hidden or not in contact with the treated surfaces. Residual insecticides create a lasting barrier on a surface that can affect insects that come into contact with it, rather than being placed inside the plant. Lastly, biorational insecticides typically use natural materials or biological controls and may not have the same long-lasting, internal action as systemic insecticides.