Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

Which class of insecticides is known for being systemic and taken up by plants?

1. Pyrroles

2. Macrocyclic lactones

3. Pyridines

4. Anthranilic diamides

The correct answer is: Anthranilic diamides

The class of insecticides known for being systemic and taken up by plants is anthranilic diamides. These insecticides work by disrupting the calcium channels in the muscle cells of insects, making them highly effective against various pests. When applied to the plant, anthranilic diamides are absorbed through the plant’s tissues, allowing for internal distribution. This systemic action ensures that a plant can protect itself from pests that feed on it, as the insecticides are present throughout the plant rather than just on the surface. Each of the other classes of insecticides serves different mechanisms or types of pests. Pyrroles target insects through their interference with certain neurotransmitter systems but are not characterized by systemic uptake. Macrocyclic lactones primarily affect nematodes and some arthropods, often through contact or ingestion rather than systemic action in plants. Pyridines are primarily used for their neurotoxic effects on insects but do not exhibit significant systemic uptake in plant tissue like anthranilic diamides do. Thus, the distinct systemic characteristics of anthranilic diamides make them particularly effective in scenarios where prolonged protection from pests is needed.