Which type of herbicide is described as being able to move within a plant?

Translocated herbicides are designed to be absorbed by the plant and move throughout its tissues. This movement allows the herbicide to reach not just the initial site of application but also to travel to various parts of the plant, including the roots and emerging shoots. This characteristic is particularly important for effectively controlling perennial weeds or those with extensive root systems, as it ensures that the herbicide can disrupt growth processes throughout the plant.

In contrast, contact herbicides work only where they are applied and do not move within the plant; they kill the plant only at the site of contact. Selective herbicides target specific species of plants while leaving others unharmed but do not inherently possess the ability to translocate. Residual herbicides, on the other hand, remain active in the soil and control weeds over time but are not designed to move within the plant structure itself. Thus, translocated herbicides are uniquely effective for tackling a broader range of weed types and ensuring thorough treatment.