Overview of pesticides and their use

Biological mechanisms of action

The pesticides are sometimes grouped according to the way in which they act, i.e. their biological mechanism of action. Foliar pesticides are taken up by leaves or green plant parts. Soil-acting pesticides are intended to act via the soil on growing seeds, shoots or roots. Contact pesticides affect those parts of a weed or pest that are directly touched by the spray liquid. Systemic pesticides affect the entire target organism (weed or insect).

In Sweden there are around 100 different potato cultivars that are grown commercially and all are more or less susceptible to pest attack, particularly by various fungal blights. Potatoes can also be attacked by viruses and nematodes. Photo: Ragnhild Möller, SLU.