Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG: Complete Guide for Indian Farmers (2026)
Here's the thing about Emamectin Benzoate that trips up most farmers: the caterpillar doesn't drop dead immediately. It stops eating — within hours — but it may take 2–4 days to actually die. Farmers see the pest still moving and assume the spray didn't work. They spray again. They've just wasted ₹800 and stressed the crop unnecessarily.
Don't be that farmer. Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG is one of the most effective caterpillar and borer-control insecticides available in India today. You just need to understand how it works to use it well.
What is Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG?
Emamectin Benzoate is a semi-synthetic insecticide derived from Avermectin — a naturally occurring compound produced by the soil bacterium Streptomyces avermitilis. The "5% SG" refers to the 5% active ingredient in a Soluble Granule formulation — a water-dispersible granule that dissolves completely when mixed, leaving no residue to clog sprayer nozzles.
It belongs to the macrocyclic lactone / avermectin chemical class and is the go-to solution for controlling caterpillars, borers, and certain mite species — particularly those that have developed resistance to older pyrethroids and organophosphates.
How Does Emamectin Benzoate Work?
This is the part most label instructions skip, but it matters enormously for knowing when your spray has "worked":
Emamectin Benzoate targets the insect's nervous system by binding to glutamate-gated chloride channels in nerve and muscle cells. This causes an influx of chloride ions, leading to irreversible nerve inhibition — the insect becomes paralysed and stops feeding.
The critical point: Feeding stops within hours of ingestion. Death follows in 2–4 days. The crop is no longer being damaged from the moment the pest ingests the product — even though the pest is still visible. This is not a failure; this is the product working exactly as it should.
Additionally, Emamectin Benzoate has translaminar activity — it penetrates the leaf surface and moves into the leaf tissue, reaching insects feeding on the underside or burrowing inside the plant. This is what makes it so effective against borers that classical contact insecticides can't reach.
Pests Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG Controls
| Pest | Crops Affected |
|---|---|
| American bollworm / Helicoverpa | Cotton, chilli, tomato, chickpea |
| Spotted bollworm / Pink bollworm | Cotton |
| Fruit & shoot borer | Brinjal, chilli, okra |
| Pod borer | Red gram, chickpea, soybean |
| Diamond back moth (DBM) | Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli |
| Spodoptera (fall armyworm) | Maize, sorghum, cotton |
| Leaf miner | Tomato, capsicum, beans |
| Thrips | Chilli, onion, grapes |
| Mites (certain species) | Chilli, cucurbits, tea |
| Tea mosquito bug | Tea |
The real standout use case is bollworm control in cotton. Helicoverpa armigera (American bollworm) has developed significant resistance to many older insecticides in India. Emamectin Benzoate, with its entirely different mode of action, remains highly effective — especially when used as part of a resistance management rotation.
Which Crops Can You Use Emamectin Benzoate On?
- Cotton: Bollworm complex (pink, spotted, American)
- Chilli & tomato: Fruit borer, thrips, Helicoverpa
- Okra (bhindi): Fruit & shoot borer
- Brinjal: Fruit & shoot borer
- Cabbage / cauliflower: Diamond back moth (DBM), caterpillars
- Red gram / chickpea: Pod borer
- Maize: Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)
- Grapes: Thrips, leaf roller
- Tea: Tea mosquito bug, loopers
Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG Dosage Chart
| Crop | Target Pest | Dose (g/acre) | Dose (g/L water) | PHI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Bollworm complex | 76–88 g | 0.4–0.5 g/L | 7 days |
| Chilli | Fruit borer, thrips | 80 g | 0.4–0.5 g/L | 3 days |
| Okra (bhindi) | Fruit & shoot borer | 54–68 g | 0.4 g/L | 5 days |
| Brinjal | Fruit & shoot borer | 80 g | 0.4–0.5 g/L | 3 days |
| Cabbage | DBM, caterpillars | 60–80 g | 0.4 g/L | 7 days |
| Red gram | Pod borer | 88 g | 0.4–0.5 g/L | 14 days |
| Chickpea | Pod borer, Helicoverpa | 88 g | 0.4–0.5 g/L | 14 days |
| Grapes | Thrips, leaf roller | 80–88 g | 0.4–0.5 g/L | 3 days |
Important: Emamectin Benzoate is highly concentrated. The dose of 0.4–0.5 g/L is much lower than many other insecticides. Over-dosing does not improve efficacy — it wastes product and may increase the risk of phytotoxicity on sensitive crops.
How to Apply Emamectin Benzoate: Tips That Improve Results
- Spray at first sign of pest incidence — don't wait for heavy infestation. Emamectin Benzoate works best at low to moderate pest pressure. Once 50+ borers per acre are burrowing, the damage is done even if you kill every insect within 4 days.
- Ensure thorough coverage, especially on the underside of leaves. Translaminar activity helps, but better coverage means faster pest contact with the product.
- Use a minimum of 150–200 litres of water per acre. Under-diluted sprays miss pest hotspots and create uneven field coverage.
- Spray in early morning or evening. UV light degrades Emamectin Benzoate; morning/evening application extends residual activity by several hours.
- Don't re-spray within 72 hours because pests are still visible. They've stopped feeding. Give the product 2–4 days to complete the kill cycle.
- Good rainfastness: 4 hours. If rain is expected within 4 hours of planned spraying, wait for a better window.
Resistance Management: Don't Overuse This Product
This is worth its own section because it's frequently ignored — until the product stops working.
Emamectin Benzoate is classified as Group 6 (avermectin) by IRAC (Insecticide Resistance Action Committee). To prevent resistance, follow these rules:
- Maximum 2 sprays per season of the same IRAC group (Group 6)
- Rotate with insecticides from a different mode of action: Group 28 (diamides like chlorantraniliprole), Group 4 (neonicotinoids like imidacloprid), or Group 3A (pyrethroids) in rotation
- Do not mix Emamectin Benzoate with another Group 6 insecticide
The bollworm resistance crisis with Bt cotton in India is a cautionary tale. Rotating chemical groups is the difference between an insecticide that works for 5 years and one that works for 15.
Emamectin Benzoate Price in India (2026)
- 100 g pack: ₹350–₹450
- 250 g pack: ₹700–₹900
- 500 g pack: ₹1,200–₹1,500
For a cotton field of 1 acre, one spray (76–88 g) costs approximately ₹300–₹450. Given bollworm can cause 50–70% yield loss in cotton without adequate control, cost-effectiveness is not a question.
Buy Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG on Farmkart with fast delivery and cash on delivery available across India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are the pests still alive after 2 days of spraying Emamectin Benzoate?
A: They've stopped feeding from the first day. Full kill takes 2–4 days. Do not re-spray — the product is working.
Q: Can I mix Emamectin Benzoate with fungicides?
A: Generally yes — it's compatible with most fungicides. Avoid strongly alkaline mixes (pH > 8). Always do a jar test with new combinations.
Q: Is Emamectin Benzoate effective against mites?
A: It has activity against certain mite species (particularly on chilli and cucurbits) but is not the primary choice for mite control. For heavy mite infestations, use a dedicated miticide (e.g., Abamectin, Bifenazate).
Q: What is the pre-harvest interval for vegetable crops?
A: Varies by crop — 3 days for chilli and brinjal, 5 days for okra, 7 days for cabbage and cotton, 14 days for pulses. Check the product label.
Q: Is Emamectin Benzoate safe for bees?
A: It is toxic to bees. Do not spray on flowering crops during daytime when bees are active. Spray in early morning or after sunset if the crop is flowering.
Q: Which brand of Emamectin Benzoate is best?
A: The active ingredient and concentration (5% SG) are the same across brands. Syngenta Proclaim, FMC Coragen companion products, Dhanuka, and IFFCO all produce quality formulations. Buy whichever is available at your nearest agri shop or online on Farmkart.
