Which statement best defines a systemic fungicide?

Which statement best defines a systemic fungicide?

• A. A chemical that is absorbed into the immediate area of application and does not travel within the plant.
• B. Fungicides that are absorbed and move within the plant from the site of application to other tissues.
• C. A chemical that is absorbed into the plant only at the application site but does not move beyond that point.
• D. Fungicides that remain on the plant surface and do not penetrate tissues.

Answer: (B)

Systemic fungicides are absorbed by the plant and moved to other tissues, so protection reaches parts of the plant far from where the product was applied. This internal movement allows the chemical to accompany the plant’s own transport system and defend new growth or internal tissues against pathogens. The statement that describes absorption plus movement within the plant from the application site to other tissues matches this behavior, making it the best definition. Fungicides that stay on the surface or only protect the treated area don’t move inside the plant; they are contact or surface-acting fungicides. Fungicides that are absorbed but don’t travel beyond the application point are local or non-systemic.

Systemic fungicides are absorbed by the plant and moved to other tissues, so protection reaches parts of the plant far from where the product was applied. This internal movement allows the chemical to accompany the plant’s own transport system and defend new growth or internal tissues against pathogens. The statement that describes absorption plus movement within the plant from the application site to other tissues matches this behavior, making it the best definition.

Fungicides that stay on the surface or only protect the treated area don’t move inside the plant; they are contact or surface-acting fungicides. Fungicides that are absorbed but don’t travel beyond the application point are local or non-systemic.