North Carolina Pesticide Application Practice Test

What does systemic effects refer to in pesticide application?

1. Effects that are localized at the site of contact

2. Effects that affect part of the body away from the original contact point

3. Effects that occur only if ingested

4. Effects that slowly develop over time

The correct answer is: Effects that affect part of the body away from the original contact point

Systemic effects in pesticide application refer to the impact of a pesticide that occurs in parts of the body that are distant from the site of initial contact. When a pesticide is systemically active, it is absorbed into the organism's circulatory system and can be transported throughout the body, affecting various tissues and organs. This means that even if a pesticide is applied in one area (such as by spraying on leaves), it can move through the organism and cause effects that are observed in other parts of the body, beyond the initial site of application. This characteristic is particularly important in understanding how certain pesticides work, as it allows for effective pest control even if the pest is not directly contacted with the pesticide at the application site. In contrast, localized effects would only impact the exact area where the pesticide came into contact, and not produce systemic activity.