Ema-ject RTU Tree Injectable Insecticide, is the only tree injectable form of emamectin benzoate that is registered in Australia. As a new product there are no resistance issues in comparison as reported with imidacloprid.
In laboratory tests emamectin benzoate (Ema-ject) residues weren’t detected in bud, nectar, pollen, seed, and fruit samples in multiple tree species. This is a significant advancement in tree injectable chemistry, hitting target pests, safe for pollinators and seed eating birds. Imidacloprid registered product both soil and trunk injectables need to be reviewed by the APVMA due to the presence of the varroa mite in Australia. Ema-ject RTU has undertaken a full Environmental Assessment-(Ecological Risk Assessment) by the APVMA during registration process, a costly level beyond just registration.
This process is particularly rigorous on a tree injectable due to its amplifying effect.
Ema-ject RTU is the superior environmental alternative to imidacloprid. It has no restrictions of use in River Red Gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis). Treatment can still be undertaken even when the trees are in flower. Whereas imidacloprid based products have residues at lethal and sub lethal levels in tests in multiple tree species. Independent testing in elm trees with both soil and pollen analysis have revealed that imidacloprid residues carried over into the second year from a previous year application.
Pollen sampled on 24/08/2024 =10ppb and Soil sampled on 08/09/2024 = 110ppb.
All Sampled again on 02/09/2025 Soil = 50ppb and Pollen =20ppb. The later pollen sampling in 2025 revealed upward pollen residue levels, it may suggest that imidacloprid loading into the pollen continued till the end of the floral cycle.
The test was undertaken by an independent research biologist on municipal elms in regional Victoria. For further implications refer to ChatGPT. Question: varroa mite – soil or tree injection with imidacloprid – tested residues 10ppb-20ppb in elm pollen-effects-bees elm pollen-avenue plantings- contravenes local government environmental policies.
Further questions: Please copy and paste these questions into ChatGPT to reveal cited studies.
Question 1: Varroa mite – soil or tree injection with imidacloprid – tested residues 10ppb-20ppb in elm pollen-effects-bees ingesting-returning to hive-elm pollen-elms in avenue plantings- contravenes local government environmental policies.
Question 2: Is Ema-ject local government environmental policy compliant?
The APVMA is satisfied that Ema-ject RTU when used as per label presents a minimal risk to the environment. Analysis by ACS laboratories found no emamectin benzoate residues in elm pollen and “Samaras” (elm seeds).
ACS Report Extract from APVMA submission
