ABSTRACT
Molecular formula: C48H72O14 (Avermectin B1a); C47H70O14 (Avermectin B1b) Synonyms and trade names: Avermectin; Afrm; Avermectin B1; Agri-mek; Agrimek; Vertimec; Zephyr Chemical name: Avermectin B1
Avermectin is a colourless to yellowish crystalline powder. It is soluble in acetone, methanol, toluene, chloroform, and ethanol but insoluble in water. It is stable and incompatible with strong oxidising agents. Abamectin is a mixture of avermectins containing about 80% avermectin B1a and 20% avermectin B1b. These two components, B1a and B1b, have very similar biological and toxicological properties. The avermectins are insecticidal/miticidal compounds derived from the soil bacterium Streptomyces avermitilis. Abamectin is used to control insect and mite pests of citrus, pear, and nut tree crops, and it is used by homeowners for control of re ants. It acts on the nervous system of insects and causes paralysing effects to insects. Abamectin is a general use pesticide (GUP). It is grouped as toxicity class IV, meaning practically non-toxic, requiring no precautionary statement on its label.
