Which of the following is an advantage of systemic insecticides?

• A. They are easily washed off.
• B. They move toward growing points.
• C. They provide quick kill of large chewing insects.
• D. They have no residual activity.

Answer: (B)

Systemic insecticides are taken up by the plant and moved to tissues where new growth occurs. This means the chemical travels to growing points—new leaves, shoots, and developing tissues—so insects feeding there ingest the pesticide even if they never contact a spray directly. That delivery to growing points provides ongoing protection as the plant grows, which is especially valuable for ornamentals and turf where pests continually attack new tissue.

Other options aren’t as accurate: the idea that these products are easily washed off isn’t a defining advantage since the active ingredient is inside plant tissues, not just on the surface, and the claim that they kill large chewing insects quickly ignores that systemic products often target sap-sucking pests and can act more slowly; and having no residual activity isn’t true for many systemic products, which can provide prolonged protection.