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Emamectin benzoate + diafenthiuron pre-mix

The emamectin benzoate + diafenthiuron pre-mix combines an avermectin macrolide with a thiourea-derived ATP-synthase inhibitor in a single product. Commercial Indian formulations include Willowood ED-Max (EB 1.1% + DFN 30% SC) and Hyfun Edemax (EB 3.7% + DFN 46.3% WP).

Composition / Active ingredient

  • Active ingredients: Emamectin benzoate + Diafenthiuron
  • Commercial formulations:
  • Willowood ED-Max: Emamectin benzoate 1.1% + Diafenthiuron 30% SC
  • Hyfun Edemax: Emamectin benzoate 3.7% + Diafenthiuron 46.3% WP
  • Chemical classes: Avermectin (macrolide) + Thiourea derivative

Mode of action

The two actives operate at different sites:

  • Emamectin benzoate is a glutamate-gated chloride channel allosteric modulator — IRAC Group 6 — paralysing Lepidopteran larvae.
  • Diafenthiuron is a pro-insecticide converted by sunlight and insect cytochrome P450 to a carbodiimide form that inhibits mitochondrial ATP synthase — IRAC Group 12A — paralysing sap-suckers and mites.

The combination delivers caterpillar plus sap-sucker control in a single spray, and the two unrelated MoAs slow resistance build-up.

Target use and dose

Indian field trials show approximately 89% reduction of chilli thrips at 250 g/ha with the WP combo. Standard uses are in cotton, chilli and pulses for simultaneous management of:

  • Sucking pests: thrips, whitefly, aphids, mites (from the diafenthiuron component)
  • Lepidopteran larvae: Helicoverpa, Spodoptera, leaf folder (from the emamectin component)

Safety and regulatory status

As a pre-mix of two distinct MoAs, the combo is positioned for situations where both pest complexes occur together, reducing the number of sprays. For pure caterpillar pressure, the standalone Emamectin Benzoate is more cost-effective; for pure sap-sucker pressure, Diafenthiuron Pegasus alone or Flupyradifurone Gracia is preferred.

See also: Emamectin Benzoate, Diafenthiuron Pegasus, Flupyradifurone Gracia, Chlorantraniliprole, Tolfenpyrad Tychi.

References

  1. Willowood ED-Max — Emamectin Benzoate 1.1% + Diafenthiuron 30% SC. BharatAgri.
  2. Bioefficacy of Emamectin Benzoate 3.7% + Diafenthiuron 46.3% WP against chilli thrips. ResearchGate.