Abamectin
Type: Insecticide
Mode of Action: Disruption of the Nervous System / Glutamate-gated chloride channels
Common Product Names: Avid & Lucid
What is it?
Abamectin is a naturally derived pesticide, originally isolated from the soil bacterium Streptomyces avermitilis. Abamectin is a contact insecticide, meaning it must come into direct contact with the pest to be effective. It is selective in nature, primarily targeting mites and insects. It belongs to the avermectin family of compounds, known for their effectiveness against a wide range of pests, particularly mites and certain insects. Abamectin is commonly used in both agricultural and horticultural settings due to its potency and relatively low toxicity to non-target organisms, including humans and beneficial insects.
How does it work?
Once applied, Abamectin penetrates the leaf tissues where it remains active, targeting the pests that feed on these leaves. Abamectin acts by interfering with neural and muscular transmission in pests, causing paralysis and death. It binds to glutamate-gated chloride channels in nerve and muscle cells, leading to an increased influx of chloride ions and subsequent cell hyperpolarization, resulting in paralysis. The visible effects on pests typically become apparent within a few days of application, depending on the pest species and environmental conditions. Abamectin has limited systemic activity in the plant when taken up by the roots. Allowing for insects that feed on the plant to come in contact with the insecticide.