Contact action
A mode of pesticide action that affects a pest or pathogen upon direct physical contact with the plant surface or the organism itself.
Также говорят: contact pesticide, contact agent, contact action
Contact-action pesticides are effective only in areas where the spray solution directly lands. Unlike systemic agents, these products do not translocate through the plant vascular system, making thorough coverage the primary factor for successful application.
These products are used to target pests or diseases residing on the surface of leaves or stems. Contact agents are most effective when applied at the early stages of an infestation before the pest or pathogen penetrates deep into plant tissues.
A common mistake is substituting contact products for systemic ones when dealing with deep-seated infections or pests with hidden habits. Furthermore, improper sprayer calibration often leads to droplet run-off, preventing the required uniform coverage across the leaf surface.