Abamectin

Abamectin is a mixture of avermectins containing more than 80% avermectin B1a and less than 20% avermectin B1b . These two components, B1a and B1b have very similar biological and toxicological properties. The avermectins are insecticidal or anthelmintic compounds derived from the soil bacterium Streptomyces avermitilis. Abamectin is a natural fermentation product of this bacterium. Abamectin is used to control insect and mite pests of a range of agronomic, fruit, vegetable and ornamental crops, and it is used by homeowners for control of fire ants. Abamectin is also used as a veterinary antihelmintic. Resistance to abamectin based antihelmintics, although a growing problem, is not as common as to other classes of veterinary antihelmintics.

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Abamectin is also known as Avermectin B1 and MK-936. Trade names include Abba, Affirm, Agri-Mek, Avid, Dynamec, Vertimec and Zephyr.

• Status: ISO 1750 (approved)
• IUPAC: mixture of:
  • (10E,14E,16E)-(1R,4S,5′S,6S,6′R,8R,12S,13S,20R,21R,24S)-6′-[(S)-sec-butyl]-21,24-dihydroxy-5′,11,13,22-tetramethyl-2-oxo-(3,7,19-trioxatetracyclo[15.6.1.14,8.020,24]pentacosa-10,14,16,22-tetraene)-6-spiro-2′-(5′,6′-dihydro-2′H-pyran)-12-yl 2,6-dideoxy-4-O-(2,6-dideoxy-3-O-methyl-α-L-arabino-hexopyranosyl)-3-O-methyl-α-L-arabino-hexopyranoside
  • (10E,14E,16E)-(1R,4S,5′S,6S,6′R,8R,12S,13S,20R,21R,24S)-21,22-dihydroxy-6′-isopropyl-5′,11,13,22-tetramethyl-2-oxo-(3,7,19-trioxatetracyclo[15.6.1.14,8.020,24]pentacosa-10,14,16,22-tetraene)-6-spiro-2′-(5′,6′-dihydro-2′H-pyran)-12-yl 2,6-dideoxy-4-O-(2,6-dideoxy-3-O-methyl-α-L-arabino-hexopyranosyl)-3-O-methyl-α-L-arabino-hexopyranoside
• CAS name: avermectin B1
• Formula: C₄₈H₇₂O₁₄ (avermectin B1a) + C₄₇H₇₀O₁₄ (avermectin B1b)
• Activity:
  • acaricides (avermectin acaricides)
  • insecticides (avermectin insecticides)
  • nematicides (antibiotic nematicides)

References:

• "Pesticide Information Profile: Abamectin." Pesticide Management Education Program. May 1994. Cornell University Cooperative Extension. 18 Sep 2007 .