Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG: Dose, Uses & Complete Guide for Indian Farmers

What Is Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG? (इमामेक्टिन बेंज़ोएट क्या है?)

Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG (Soluble Granule) is a systemic insecticide from the avermectin chemical class, derived from the soil bacterium Streptomyces avermitilis. It belongs to IRAC Group 6 and works by activating glutamate-gated chloride channels in the insect's nervous system, causing irreversible paralysis and death — usually within 24–72 hours of exposure.

In India, it is one of the most effective insecticides against Lepidopteran pests (caterpillars, borers, leaf folders) across paddy, cotton, and vegetable crops. Its soluble granule formulation dissolves quickly in water with minimal residue.

How Emamectin Benzoate Works (Mode of Action)

Emamectin Benzoate acts both by contact and ingestion. Once an insect comes into contact with treated plant surface or ingests treated plant tissue, the active ingredient binds to glutamate-gated chloride channels in muscle cells and motor nerves, causing:

• Rapid paralysis of mouthparts — the insect stops feeding within hours
• Progressive paralysis of legs and body muscles
• Death within 24–72 hours

Because it targets a receptor found only in invertebrates and not in vertebrates, it has a relatively favourable mammalian safety profile when used at recommended doses.

Dose Chart by Crop (प्रति लीटर खुराक)

The standard recommended dose for most crops is 0.4 g per litre of water. For a 15-litre knapsack sprayer, use 6 g per tank. For cotton, increase to 0.5 g/L for heavy bollworm pressure.

Crop	Target Pest (हिंदी)	Dose (g/L)	Per Hectare	PHI (days)
Paddy / Rice (धान)	Yellow Stem Borer (पीला तना छेदक), Leaf Folder (पत्ती लपेटक)	0.4 g/L	200 g/ha	14
Cotton (कपास)	American Bollworm (अमेरिकन सुंडी), Pink Bollworm (गुलाबी सुंडी)	0.4–0.5 g/L	200–250 g/ha	7
Chili (मिर्च)	Fruit Borer (फल छेदक), Thrips (थ्रिप्स)	0.4 g/L	200 g/ha	7
Tomato (टमाटर)	Fruit Borer (फल छेदक), Leaf Miner (पत्ती खनिक)	0.4 g/L	200 g/ha	7
Brinjal (बैंगन)	Shoot and Fruit Borer (अंकुर व फल छेदक)	0.4 g/L	200 g/ha	7
Okra / Bhindi (भिंडी)	Shoot and Fruit Borer, Jassids	0.4 g/L	200 g/ha	7
Cabbage / Cauliflower (पत्तागोभी)	Diamond-back Moth (DBM), Cabbage Looper	0.4 g/L	200 g/ha	7
Groundnut (मूंगफली)	Leaf Miner, Tobacco Caterpillar (तंबाकू की सुंडी)	0.4 g/L	200 g/ha	14

Doses are based on CIB&RC registered recommendations for India. Always read the product label before use.

When to Spray (सही समय)

Timing of application is critical for best results:

• Paddy: Apply at first sign of leaf folding or stem borer infestation. For preventive control, spray at tillering and panicle initiation stage.
• Cotton: Apply when bollworm egg-laying begins or at first sign of bored entry holes on bolls. Do not wait for heavy infestation.
• Vegetables: Apply at crop establishment and repeat at 10–14 day intervals during peak pest pressure. Avoid spraying in flowering stage to protect pollinators.
• General: Spray in the early morning or late evening when winds are calm and temperatures are below 35°C. This reduces evaporation and drift, and minimises exposure to beneficial insects.

How to Mix and Apply

1. Fill the sprayer tank halfway with clean water.
2. Add the required quantity of Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG (0.4 g per litre) and stir until fully dissolved.
3. Top up the tank to the required volume and stir again.
4. Spray evenly to cover both upper and lower leaf surfaces — pests often hide on the underside.
5. Use 500–750 litres of spray solution per hectare for thorough coverage.

Tank-Mix Compatibility

Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG is compatible with most commonly used insecticides, fungicides, and foliar fertilisers. Avoid mixing with strongly alkaline products (pH above 9), which can break down the active ingredient before it is absorbed.

Effective tank-mix combinations:

• With chlorpyrifos for broader spectrum pest control (adds aphid and soil insect coverage)
• With imidacloprid for simultaneous control of sucking and chewing pests
• With a fungicide such as mancozeb or copper oxychloride where fungal disease pressure co-occurs

Always do a small jar test with any new combination before treating a full field.

Resistance Management (प्रतिरोध प्रबंधन)

Emamectin Benzoate is an IRAC Group 6 insecticide. To delay the development of resistance:

• Do not spray more than 2–3 consecutive applications of the same IRAC group in one season.
• Rotate with insecticides from different mode-of-action groups — for example, Group 28 (chlorantraniliprole/rynaxypyr) or Group 4A (neonicotinoids) — in alternate sprays.
• Use the correct recommended dose. Under-dosing accelerates resistance selection.

Safety and Precautions (सुरक्षा)

• PPE: Wear gloves, a face mask, and protective clothing while mixing and spraying.
• Re-entry interval: Do not enter the sprayed field for at least 12 hours after application.
• Pre-harvest interval (PHI): Do not harvest within 7 days (vegetables) or 14 days (paddy, cotton) of last spray.
• Water bodies: Emamectin Benzoate is highly toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates. Do not spray near ponds, rivers, or irrigation channels.
• Bees: Moderately toxic to bees. Avoid spraying when crop is in full bloom.
• Storage: Store in original container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the dose of Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG per litre?

The recommended dose is 0.4 g per litre of water. For a 15-litre knapsack sprayer, use 6 g per tank. For cotton under heavy bollworm pressure, 0.5 g/L may be used.

Can I use Emamectin Benzoate on paddy?

Yes. Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG is registered for use on paddy in India. It is highly effective against yellow stem borer and leaf folder — two of the most damaging paddy pests. Use at 0.4 g/L with a PHI of 14 days.

How many days does Emamectin Benzoate take to work?

Insects feeding on treated plants stop feeding within 2–6 hours of contact. Death occurs within 24–72 hours. Field effects (reduced crop damage) are typically visible within 3 days.

Is Emamectin Benzoate systemic?

Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG has translaminar activity — it penetrates the leaf surface and is active on insects feeding on either side of the leaf. It is not a fully systemic insecticide (it does not translocate through the vascular system like neonicotinoids), so complete spray coverage is important.

Where to Buy Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG in India

Buy Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG online at Farmkart — pan-India delivery, genuine product, competitive pricing. Available in 100 g, 250 g, and 500 g packs.

Related products you may need:

• Roko Fungicide (Thiophanate-methyl 70% WP) — for disease control alongside pest management
• Browse all insecticides at Farmkart