Abamectin

Abamectin (abamectin) is an insecticide and acaricide product for agricultural use.

Common name (ISO): Abamectin

Synonyms: Avermectin B1, Avermectin S, MK-936, Affirm, Abermectine, L676, A121151, AVM, C-076.

Commercial products: Abamex, Avicta and others.

Gross formula: C47H72O14 (avermectin B1a) + C47H70O14 (avermectin B1b).

Number CAS: 71751-41-2

Chemical class: derived from microorganisms (natural product of bacterial fermentation) Streptomyces avermitilis), belonging to the avermectin family; classified as an insecticide, acaricide and nematicide.

Development history: Avermectins were discovered in 1975 by scientists at Merck & Co., from a culture of Streptomyces avermitilis Isolated from soil samples in Japan, in collaboration with the Kitasato Institute. The process involved fermenting the bacteria to produce substances with antiparasitic activity. Initially focused on veterinary uses (like ivermectin), abamectin was adapted and launched in 1985 for agricultural applications by the American company Cyanamid as a selective insecticide for various crops. The development was notable for its innovation in natural products.

Mode of action: Abamectin acts through contact and ingestion, with limited systemic activity. It binds to glutamate-gated chloride (GluCl) channels in nerve and muscle cells of invertebrates (such as insects, mites, and nematodes), causing hyperpolarization, paralysis, and death. It is selective and reasonably safe for mammals due to its low affinity for similar channels and its difficulty crossing the blood-brain barrier.

Patent numbers: US 4,310,519; CN 109497057 and others.