What describes a "systemic fungicide"?

A systemic fungicide is specifically characterized as a product that is absorbed and translocated within the plant. This means that when applied, the chemical moves throughout the plant's tissues, offering protection not only to the surface areas but also to regions that might not have direct contact with the fungicide. This ability to circulate within the plant allows systemic fungicides to control diseases that may be located deep within the plant, including root diseases, which foliar-only treatments would not affect.

This translocation capability is essential for managing various fungal infections effectively, as many diseases can affect parts of the plant that are not easily accessible from the outside. Consequently, systemic fungicides provide a broader spectrum of protection compared to non-systemic options, which only protect the parts of the plant they come into direct contact with.

In contrast, the other options describe traits that do not define systemic fungicides. Some fungicides may be effective only on foliar diseases, do not get absorbed by plants at all, or may require frequent reapplication, but these characteristics do not apply to systemic fungicides, which offer a distinct mode of action advantageous for comprehensive disease management.