Which statement best describes the benefit of systemic herbicides?

• A. KILLS both above ground and below ground parts of the plant.
• B. Kills only the foliage and not the roots.
• C. Only effective on annual weeds.
• D. Non-selective and damages turf widely.

Answer: (A)

Systemic herbicides are absorbed by the plant and then moved through its vascular system to other tissues. That movement lets the chemical reach roots, rhizomes, and other underground parts, so the entire plant is affected, not just the part that absorbed it. This is why the description that they kill both above-ground and below-ground parts best captures their main benefit, especially for perennial weeds.

The other ideas describe foliary-only action (which is what contact herbicides do), or limitations not inherent to systemic action (such as being limited to annuals or being non-selective and damaging surrounding turf).