What characterizes a translocated/systemic herbicide?

A translocated or systemic herbicide is characterized by its ability to be absorbed by the plant and then moved throughout its tissues. This movement allows the herbicide to affect not just the areas where it was applied, but also the entire plant, including the roots and other structures. This systemic action is particularly beneficial for targeting perennial weeds or those with deep root systems, as it can disrupt the plant's growth and life cycle more effectively than a herbicide that only affects surface areas.

The nature of systemic herbicides means that they can attack the plant from within, inhibiting vital processes such as photosynthesis and nutrient transport. This is in contrast to herbicides that only affect the surface, which would limit their effectiveness by failing to completely eliminate the plant, especially if it has extensive root systems or if it tries to recover from the initial damage.

The remaining options reflect characteristics that are not indicative of systemic herbicides, further highlighting why the translocation aspect is key to their effectiveness.