What is the Difference Between Translaminar and Systemic?

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Translaminar and systemic are two types of insecticides that differ in their movement and distribution within a plant. The main differences between them are:

  1. Movement: Translaminar insecticides travel only shorter distances within the plant, typically from the upper surface of a leaf to the lower surface of the leaf. In contrast, systemic insecticides travel throughout the plant, being absorbed from the roots and moving all over the plant.
  2. Absorption: Translaminar insecticides are absorbed by one side of the leaf surface, forming a reservoir of active ingredient within the leaf. Systemic insecticides, on the other hand, are taken up primarily by plant roots and transported (translocated) to locations throughout the plant, such as growing points, where they can affect plant-feeding pests.
  3. Effectiveness: Translaminar insecticides are effective at sites other than where they are sprayed and can provide shorter-term control. Systemic insecticides provide long-term protection from pest injury and can be more effective when applied to plant foliage, but they may take longer to kill target pests.

In summary, translaminar insecticides move only short distances within a plant, mainly in the leaf, while systemic insecticides travel throughout the plant, being absorbed and distributed via the plant's vascular system.

Comparative Table: Translaminar vs Systemic

Translaminar and systemic are two types of insecticides that differ in their movement within a plant. Here is a table comparing their characteristics:

Characteristic Translaminar Insecticides Systemic Insecticides
Movement in Plants Travel only short distances in the plant, usually from the upper surface of the leaf to the lower surface. Travel throughout the plant, being absorbed from the roots and moving all over the plant.
Persistence Persist for 14 days in the environment. Persist for 100 days in the environment.
Penetration Penetrate leaves but generally do not move to the rest of the plant. Move within the plant, including new shoots.
Application Method Often applied to plant foliage. Can be applied to plant foliage or roots.
Examples Aba-mectin (Avid), pyriproxyfen (Distance), chlorfenapyr (Pylon), spinosad (Conserve). Imidacloprid (Marathon, Merit), acephate (Pinpoint), pymetrozine (Endeavor).

Translaminar insecticides travel only short distances in the plant, mainly from the upper surface of the leaf to the lower surface. In contrast, systemic insecticides travel throughout the plant, being absorbed from the roots and moving all over the plant. Translaminar insecticides typically persist for 14 days in the environment, while systemic insecticides persist for 100 days.