What is Abamectin and how is it used in crop protection?

Introduction

Abamectin is a macrocyclic lactone derived from the actinomycete Streptomyces avermitilis. The main component of abamectin is avermectin B1a, which is used as an insecticide.

Chemical property

Abamectin is an off-white to yellow crystalline solid with a molecular weight of 887.11. It is practically insoluble in water and has a specific gravity of 1.158 @ 21 °C.

Discovery

Abamectin was discovered by Japanese scientists Satoshi ōmura and William C. Campbell in the late 1970s. They isolated this compound from Streptomyces avermitilis, leading to the development of the avermectin family.

Crop Protection

Abamectin is used worldwide to control mites and insect pests on various crops. It is effective against a range of pests, including leafminers, potato beetles, and citrus leafminers. Abamectin has also been used to control fire ants and cockroaches.

Recent studies have shown that abamectin can be injected into trees to control arthropods for an extended period of time.