Emamectin Benzoate - Uses and Dosage Guide
What is Emamectin Benzoate?
Emamectin benzoate is a semi-synthetic insecticide derived from Streptomyces avermitilis, a naturally occurring soil bacterium. It is used in agriculture primarily for controlling lepidopteran pests - bollworms, caterpillars, fruit borers, pod borers, armyworms and leaf-eating insects across all major Indian crops.
It belongs to the Avermectin family of compounds (similar to abamectin and ivermectin). It works by blocking GABA-gated chloride channels in the insect nervous system. This causes irreversible paralysis in the target larvae within hours of contact or ingestion. Farmers worldwide rely on it for this sustainable pest control.
What Is Emamectin Benzoate Used For in Agriculture?
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It penetrates leaf tissue and reaches larvae feeding inside or beneath leaves where surface contact spray cannot reach - Translaminar action.
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It kills larvae immediately after egg-hatching, which stops crop damage - ovilarvicidal activity.
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Emamectin benzoate controls pod borers in green gram, pigeon pea, and chickpea.
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Farmers use Emamectin benzoate insecticide to combat mites and fruit borers. By spraying it on crops, it ensures healthier harvest and improved pest control.
In Indian agriculture, Emamectin Benzoate 1.9% EC is the most widely used formulation. It is suitable for use on cotton, chilli, tomato, soybean, cabbage, cauliflower, okra, fruit crops and all major crops across the country.
Which Pests Does Emamectin Benzoate Control?
| Pest | Crops Most Affected | Damage Caused |
|---|---|---|
| American Bollworm | Cotton, Tomato, Chickpea | Bores into bolls, fruits, and pods. |
| Pink Bollworm | Cotton | Destroys cotton bolls from the inside. |
| Spodoptera / Armyworm | Maize, Cotton, Vegetables | Strips leaves, causing complete defoliation. |
| Fruit Borer | Chilli, Tomato, Brinjal, Okra | Bores into fruits, making them unmarketable. |
| Pod Borer | Soybean, Redgram, Pulses | Destroys pods and seeds before harvest. |
| Diamond Back Moth (DBM) | Cabbage, Cauliflower | Skeletonises leaves and can destroy the entire crop. |
| Stem Borer | Rice, Maize, Sugarcane | Bores into stems, causing dead heart symptoms. |
| Leaf Folder | Rice | Folds and damages leaves, reducing crop yield. |
| Thrips | Chilli, Onion, Cotton | Scars leaves and fruits and spreads viral diseases. |
Which Crops Can You Use Emamectin Benzoate On?
Emamectin Benzoate 1.9%EC is registered and recommended for a wide range of crops.
1. Chilli -
Fruit borer is the single most damaging pest in chilli farming. It controls thrips, which are the primary vector of Leaf Curl Virus in chilli crops.
2. Tomato -
Fruit borer and tomato caterpillars cause quality loss in caterpillars. Emamectin benzoate delivers results within 24 to 48 hours of application.
3. Brinjal -
Shoot and fruit borers are the most destructive pests in brinjal farming.
4. Okra -
Fruit borers and caterpillars attack okra during its most productive farming period. Early-morning spray at 0.5ml controls the infestation.
5. Cabbage and Cauliflower -
Diamondback moth is one of the most persistent and most insecticide-resistant caterpillar pests. And emamectin benzoate remains one of the most effective against it.
What is Emamectin Benzoate Dosage Per Litre of Water?
The standard recommended dosage of emamectin benzoate is 0.5 ml per litre of water as a foliar spray.
| Application | Dosage |
|---|---|
| Per Litre of Water | 0.5 ml |
| Per Acre (Foliar Spray) | 200–250 ml |
| Water Volume Per Acre | 200 litres |
| Waiting Period Before Harvest | 14 days |
| Repeat Interval | Every 10–14 days |
Application Tips:
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Always spray in the early morning or late evening. Avoid peak hours.
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Start spraying at the first appearance of young larvae, before they bud into fruits or leaves.
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Apply in sufficient water to wet the canopy without heavy run-off.
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Do not overdose. Higher doses do not necessarily improve control.
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Always use a hollow cone zone. This produces a fine mist that ensures droplets stick to the foliage rather than bouncing off.
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Spray on both sides of the leaves, particularly undersides where larvae and eggs concentrate.
What is the Difference Between Emamectin Benzoate 1.9 EC and Emamectin Benzoate 5 SG?
| Feature | 1.9% EC | 5% SG |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Liquid (Emulsifiable Concentrate) | Dry Granules (Soluble Granules) |
| Strength | 1.9% Active Ingredient | 5% Active Ingredient |
| Typical Dose per Hectare | ~150–250 ml/ha | ~60–90 g/ha |
| Mixing | Forms an emulsion; requires good agitation | Dissolves and disperses easily in water |
| Handling | Liquid formulation; spill and leak risk | Dry formulation; easier and safer to store |
| Efficacy | Slightly higher in some field trials | Comparable when used correctly |
| Safety to Beneficial Insects | Safe to ladybird beetles | Safe to ladybird beetles |
| Best For | Where EC formulation is recommended or readily available | Where a dry, easy-to-store product is preferred |
Bollworms, caterpillars, fruit borers. They move fast. Damages crops. Destroy months of hard work in days. Do you still want to suffer or take action?
Emamection benzoate is the right solution.