What is the difference between a contact pesticide and a systemic pesticide?

Contact pesticides directly target and kill pests upon contact with them. These pesticides do not penetrate or get absorbed into plant tissues; rather, they need to physically touch the pest to be effective. This means that for contact pesticides to work effectively, the pest must be present on the treated surface at the time of application.

Systemic pesticides, on the other hand, are absorbed by the plant and distributed throughout its tissues, including leaves, stems, and roots. When pests feed on these plants, they consume the systemic pesticide, which can affect them internally, leading to their death. This ability to be taken up by plants and have a protective effect from within is what distinguishes systemic pesticides from contact ones.

The other options misrepresent the functions and methods of application for contact and systemic pesticides, leading to a misunderstanding of their mechanisms of action. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective pest management in both ornamental and turf applications.