Abstract:In this study, the maximum retention ability (Rm) on three crop leaves, surface tensions and dry durations of spray liquid of methyl oleate were tested using immersion method, surface tension instrument mensuration and drying drop method. The toxicity of lambda-cyhalothrin against Pieris rapae and Agrotis ypsilon were measured using larvae dipping method and leaf dipping method. The control efficacy of lambda-cyhalothrin was also tested in the field. Results demonstrated that with the methyl oleate content in the lambda-cyhalothrin emulsion in water increased from 5% to 35%, the maximum retention ability increased by 21.08%-125.14%, surface tensions decreased by 6-12 mN/m, dry duration increased by 6-20 min, the toxicity of lambda-cyhalothrin to P.rapae and A.ypsilon enhanced significantly, meanwhile, the control efficacy of 7days increased from 79.22% to 96.54% when applied with 3 000 times diluents.