Good control effects
on fall armyworm (FAW) can be obtained by
broadcasting emamectin benzoate (EB) granules into maize leaf whorls.
However, the distribution of EB in maize plants is not clear. In this
study, EB granules were prepared by the rotating granulation method,
and the granules were characterized using a Fourier transform infrared
spectrometer. The behavior of EB granules in water was observed using
a microscope, and in vitro release of EB from granules was also studied.
A method for the determination of EB in maize plants, old leaves,
grains, and cobs was established by using ultra-performance liquid
chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The results showed that EB
was loaded in granules successfully, and the granules disintegrated
slowly in water, so the release of granules could be regulated using
various water contents. The prepared EB granules were qualified and
stable. The field experiment showed that the concentration of EB in
maize leaf whorls could be maintained above 0.23 mg·kg–1 within 3 days after broadcasting EB granules. This ensured that
FAW could be killed in a short time. Then, EB gradually transferred
to the old leaves. After 21 days of application, the content of EB
in the old leaves was 0.07 mg·kg–1, which has
long-time control effects on FAW. The control effects of the three
doses of granules against Spodoptera frugiperda were higher than 78% after 14 days of application. At the tested
dosage, no phytotoxicity to crops was observed. At harvest, neither
the maize grain nor the cobs had EB content. New controlled formulations
to S. frugiperda were developed and
will be suitable for application in mountainous areas where the lack
of water resources is a factor.