What is an eradicant?

• A. Fungicides that are absorbed and move within the plant from the site of application to other tissues.
• B. Acts like an exterior shield that protects the plant from certain fungi or bacteria; good coverage of the plant is essential.
• C. Once applied as a systemic, these chemicals frontal fungi that have already entered the plant.
• D. A natural defense produced by the plant to resist infection.

Answer: (C)

An eradicant is a systemic fungicide that kills fungi after they have already invaded the plant. It is taken up and moved through plant tissues so it can reach internal infections and eradicate the pathogen rather than just preventing infection on the surface. This differs from protective fungicides, which form a barrier or need to be on the plant before exposure to pathogens, and from natural plant defenses, which are produced by the plant itself. So, a chemical that is applied systemically to target fungi that have entered the plant best defines an eradicant.