systemic biocide


systemic biocide

or

biocide

a chemical such as some insecticides or fungicides that is applied to the soil or leaves, and not directly to the target organism. It is absorbed by plant roots to be translocated around the plant, or absorbed from the leaves.

The biocide has its effect when the plant is attacked by a pest organism such as an aphid which sucks up sap containing the insecticide. Compare CONTACT INSECTICIDE.