Emamectin Benzoate 1.9% EC Insecticide Uses

Emamectin Benzoate 1.9% EC is an avermectin-derived insecticide (IRAC Group 6, chloride channel activator), registered for use in India under the Insecticides Act, 1968, formulated as an emulsifiable concentrate (EC). It is used as a foliar spray against caterpillar (lepidopteran larval) pests such as bollworm, fruit borer and leaf folder in field crops including cotton, chilli, chickpea and paddy. This page lists its mode of action, key benefits and the complete crop-wise recommended dosage as per the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee's (CIB&RC) official list of approved insecticide uses.

Which Problem Is This For? (Symptom Guide)

Not sure whether what you're seeing in the field matches this insecticide's use case? This guide helps match caterpillar damage symptoms in cotton, chilli, chickpea and paddy to this insecticide's approved crop-wise uses.

Mode of Action

Emamectin benzoate is derived from abamectin and belongs to the avermectin class of insecticides (IRAC Group 6, chloride channel activators). It works by activating glutamate-gated chloride channels in the insect's nerve and muscle cells, causing an uncontrolled influx of chloride ions that leads to irreversible paralysis and death of the target insect — most notably caterpillar (lepidopteran) larvae. Emamectin benzoate is translaminar, meaning it penetrates into the leaf tissue after spraying and forms a reservoir within the leaf, giving it some resistance to being washed off by rain shortly after application and offering longer-lasting protection than a purely surface-acting insecticide. Affected larvae typically stop feeding within hours of exposure, even before visible death occurs, which limits further crop damage quickly.

Features & Benefits

• Fast-acting on caterpillar pests — treated larvae typically stop feeding within hours, limiting further crop damage even before the insect dies.
• Translaminar movement into leaf tissue gives some protection against being washed off by rain shortly after spraying, and offers longer residual activity than a purely contact insecticide.
• Effective at low use rates against a range of lepidopteran pests including bollworm, fruit borer, pod borer and leaf folder across multiple crops.
• Emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulation that mixes readily with water for uniform tank application.

Recommended Usage of Emamectin Benzoate 1.9% EC Insecticide

The table below gives the recommended dose and water volume per acre for each crop and target pest, converted from the official rate published in the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee's (CIB&RC) list of approved insecticide uses (Government of India), which is expressed per hectare (1 ha ≈ 2.47 acres). Always spray in the recommended water volume for uniform coverage, and confirm against the current product label before use.

Doses above are converted from the official rate published in the CIB&RC's list of approved insecticide uses (Government of India), which states the rate in grams/ml a.i./formulation per hectare; converted here to a practical per-acre spray-tank quantity (1 ha ≈ 2.47 acres) and rounded. Note the notably longer 48-day waiting period specified for paddy compared with the other crops — plan spray timing accordingly and always confirm the current product label and consult your local agricultural extension office before use.

How to Use

1. Identify your crop and target pest from the table above, and confirm the correct dose per acre and water volume.
2. Measure the required quantity of Emamectin Benzoate 1.9% EC and mix it thoroughly into the spray tank water, agitating well before and during spraying so the emulsion stays evenly mixed.
3. Scout the crop and spray as soon as young larvae are first seen, since the product works best on early larval stages before caterpillars have grown large and bored deep into bolls, pods or fruit.
4. Apply as a fine, uniform spray covering the entire crop canopy, including the underside of leaves and, for fruiting crops, the developing bolls, pods or fruit where larvae feed and hide.
5. Spray during the early morning or late evening when pest activity and pollinator activity are both lower, and avoid spraying in hot, windy conditions or ahead of expected rain.
6. Repeat only if pest pressure resumes, allowing at least 10–15 days between sprays, and do not exceed 2 applications per season on the same crop to help manage resistance.

Precautions & Safety

• Wear appropriate PPE — mask/respirator, gloves, goggles and full-sleeved clothing — while mixing and spraying.
• Emamectin benzoate is highly toxic to fish and other aquatic life, and toxic to bees; do not spray during crop flowering when bees are foraging, and avoid any drift or runoff into ponds, canals or water bodies.
• Store in the original, tightly closed container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, food and feed, and out of reach of children and livestock.
• Do not exceed the recommended dose or spray frequency; repeated, back-to-back use of the same insecticide class can lead to resistance development in target pest populations, so rotate with insecticides from a different mode-of-action (IRAC) group where possible.
• Respect the waiting period (PHI) given in the table above before harvesting the treated crop — note this is notably longer for paddy (48 days) than for the other crops listed.
• Wash hands, face and any exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after handling or spraying, and change out of contaminated clothing before eating, drinking or smoking.

Brand names mentioned on this page are registered trademarks of their respective owners and are referenced here for identification purposes only; FarmMate is not affiliated with or endorsed by these brands. This page is for general information only — always consult your local agricultural extension office and confirm the current product label before use.