The information in this profile may be out-of-date. It was last revised in 1996. EXTOXNET no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.

Please visit the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) to find updated pesticide fact sheets. If you don't find a fact sheet related to your question, feel free to call 1-800-858-7378. NPIC is open five days a week from 8:00am to 12:00pm Pacific Time.





E X T O X N E T

Extension Toxicology Network

Pesticide Information Profiles

A Pesticide Information Project of Cooperative Extension Offices of Cornell University, Oregon State University, the University of Idaho, and the University of California at Davis and the Institute for Environmental Toxicology, Michigan State University. Major support and funding was provided by the USDA/Extension Service/National Agricultural Pesticide Impact Assessment Program.

EXTOXNET primary files maintained and archived at Oregon State University

Revised June 1996


Abamectin


Trade and Other Names: Abamectin is also known as Avermectin B1a. Trade names include Affirm, Agri-Mek, Avermectin, Avid, MK 936, Vertimec, and Zephyr.

Regulatory Status: Abamectin is a General Use Pesticide (GUP). It is classified as toxicity class IV - practically nontoxic, and has no precautionary statement on its label.

Chemical Class: Insecticide/miticide

Introduction: 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 a natural fermentation product of this bacterium. It acts as an insecticide by affecting the nervous system of and paralyzing insects. 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 fire ants.

Formulation: Not Available

Toxicological Effects:

Ecological Effects:

Environmental Fate:

Physical Properties:

Exposure Guidelines:

Basic Manufacturer:

Merck Agvet
Division of Merck and Co., Inc.
P.O. Box 2000
Rahway, NJ 07065

References:

References for the information in this PIP can be found in Reference List Number 10


DISCLAIMER: The information in this profile does not in any way replace or supersede the information on the pesticide product labeling or other regulatory requirements. Please refer to the pesticide product labeling.