Abamectin: A Highly Effective Biological-Derived Insecticide and Acaricide

Technical Introduction

Abamectin is a biological-derived macrocyclic lactone, produced by fermentation of Streptomyces avermitilis. It is widely used as both an insecticide and acaricide, controlling chewing and sucking pests, mites, and leaf miners. Abamectin acts by modulating chloride channels in the nervous system of target pests, causing paralysis and death.

• Mode of Action: Activates glutamate-gated chloride channels in nerve and muscle cells (IRAC Group 6, avermectins).

• Systemicity: Primarily a contact and ingestion insecticide, with some translaminar activity.

• Target Spectrum: Effective against mites, leaf miners, caterpillars, whiteflies, and aphids.

Applications

• Field Crops:

  • Controls spider mites, leaf miners, and caterpillars in cotton, maize, soybeans, and vegetables.

• Vegetables & Fruits:

  • Applied on tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, citrus, and orchards to manage mites, whiteflies, and caterpillars.

• Ornamentals & Greenhouses:

  • Protects greenhouse crops from mites and small Lepidopteran larvae.

• Forestry & Plantations:

  • Used against defoliating pests and mites in fruit orchards and tea plantations.

Advantages

• Broad-Spectrum Efficacy: Controls mites, caterpillars, and other pests in multiple crops.

• Fast Knockdown: Causes rapid paralysis and cessation of feeding in pests.

• Translaminar Protection: Moves slightly into treated leaves, protecting new growth.

• IPM Compatible: Selective action allows coexistence with beneficial insects and pollinators.

• Low Mammalian Toxicity: Relatively safe for humans and animals when handled correctly.

Specifications (Typical Parameters)

FAQ

Q1: How does Abamectin kill pests?
A: It activates glutamate-gated chloride channels, causing paralysis, feeding cessation, and death in target insects and mites.

Q2: Is Abamectin effective against sucking pests?
A: Yes, it is effective against mites, whiteflies, and some aphids, but less so on other sucking pests.

Q3: Can Abamectin be used in IPM programs?
A: Yes. Its selective activity and low toxicity to beneficial insects make it IPM-friendly.

Q4: What crops benefit most from Abamectin?
A: Vegetables, cotton, orchards, and greenhouse crops benefit most due to its efficacy on mites and Lepidopteran larvae.

Q5: Is Abamectin safe for humans and animals?
A: Yes. It has low mammalian toxicity, but proper PPE and handling instructions must be followed.