Abamectin, is a member of the avermectin family and is a natural fermentation product of soil dwelling[1] actinomycete Streptomyces avermitilis.

[6] Avermectins were discovered in 1967 in fermentation broths of an actinomycete culture received from the Kitasato Institute in Japan, following an intensive search designed to find natural products with anthelmintic activity.

[8] The discoverers of avermectin, William C. Campbell and Satoshi Ōmura, shared the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

[14] Abamectin degrades rapidly when exposed to light (photodegradation) on plant surfaces, in soil, dung and water.

[15] Half life of Avermectins (including abamectin) varies between 0.5 and 23 days depending on the rate and substrate (water, soil, faeces or plant).