Dosage of Emamectin Benzoate for Rice
The recommended dosage of Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG for paddy depends on the target pest. For stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas and Chilo suppressalis), apply 200 ml per acre in 200 litres of water as a foliar spray. For leaf folder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis), apply 250 ml per acre in 200 litres of water. These rates are for the 5% SG (soluble granule) formulation — do not apply the same volume of a different concentration without adjusting the dose. Per-15-litre knapsack tank, this works out to approximately 6–7 ml for stem borer and 7–8 ml for leaf folder. Always measure accurately; under-dosing reduces efficacy and can accelerate resistance development. The pre-harvest interval (PHI) is 14 days — do not harvest paddy within 14 days of the last application.
Application Timing: Tillering to Panicle Initiation
Timing the application correctly is as important as dosage. For stem borer, the economic threshold is 5% dead hearts during the vegetative (tillering) stage, or 2% white ears (whiteheads) during the reproductive stage. Apply at first sign of infestation, ideally during active tillering (25–45 days after transplanting) before larvae bore deep into stems. For leaf folder, apply when 10% of leaves show fresh leaf rolling with live larvae inside. The most important window for both pests is from active tillering through panicle initiation — this is when stem borer damage causes whiteheads (a direct yield loss), and leaf folder feeding reduces the photosynthetic area that powers grain filling. Avoid spraying during the flowering (anthesis) stage to protect pollination. After panicle emergence, a single application during the milky grain stage may be warranted if leaf folder or case worm pressure remains high.
How to Mix Emamectin Benzoate for Paddy Spray
Follow these mixing steps for accurate and effective spray preparation. Half-fill the spray tank with clean water. Measure the required volume of Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG and add to the half-filled tank. Agitate until the granules are fully dissolved — this usually takes 1–2 minutes with continuous stirring. Top up the tank to the full spray volume (200 litres per acre) and agitate again before starting to spray. Do not mix Emamectin Benzoate with alkaline products such as Bordeaux mixture, lime-sulfur, or copper hydroxide fungicides — alkaline conditions degrade the avermectin molecule and reduce efficacy. Do not mix with copper-based fungicides for the same reason. It is compatible with most commonly used rice fungicides (Tricyclazole, Hexaconazole, Carbendazim) and micronutrient sprays, but always perform a small jar compatibility test before tank mixing for the first time. Use fresh spray solution — do not store mixed solution overnight.
Safety, PHI, and Environmental Precautions
The pre-harvest interval (PHI) for Emamectin Benzoate on rice is 14 days. Do not harvest paddy within 14 days of the last spray. Emamectin Benzoate is highly toxic to aquatic organisms, particularly fish and aquatic invertebrates. Rice fields are typically irrigated with shared water, so take these precautions: do not drain field water into irrigation channels, ponds, or streams within 7 days of application; plug field bunds before spraying to prevent runoff; avoid application when rain is forecast within 4–6 hours. It is also toxic to bees — spray in the early morning or late evening when bee activity is minimal. Wear gloves, a mask, goggles, and full protective clothing during mixing and application. Wash thoroughly after handling. In case of accidental exposure, seek medical attention and show the product label.