In terms of application, what does 'systematic' indicate about a herbicide?

The term 'systematic' in the context of herbicides refers to the ability of the chemical to move through the plant once it has been absorbed. Systemic herbicides are designed to be taken up by the plant, either through the leaves or the roots, and then translocate throughout the plant tissues. This characteristic allows the herbicide to affect various parts of the plant systemically, including the roots, stems, and leaves, effectively controlling the entire plant rather than just the part exposed to the herbicide.

This ability to move within the plant is particularly useful for targeting perennial weeds with extensive root systems. By moving throughout the plant, systemic herbicides can disrupt essential processes like growth and energy production, leading to the death of the plant. Therefore, understanding that systemic indicates mobility within the plant helps in the application and effectiveness of the herbicides in managing unwanted vegetation.