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Abstract
A rapid and convenient test for the detection of the presence of insecticides on stored grain has been needed for some time in the UK, partly because of increased public concern and new legislation, and also because of the escalating cost of conventional analysis. The use of immunoassays as a rapid detection technique has long been recognized in other fields and the technique could provide a rapid and sensitive screen for pesticides. There are six organophosphorus pesticides cleared for use on stored grain in the UK and in order to provide a viable alternative to conventional analysis an ELISA test is required for each compound. Prototype commercial kits are available for three of these compounds (pirimiphos‐methyl, chlorpyrifos‐methyl and fenitrothion) and are being assessed at this laboratory. Four aspects of the kit have been investigated with respect to its application for use with grain treated with pesticide: (1) linearity and reproducibility using laboratory standards and spiked grain samples, both freshly treated and stored for 2 months; (2) investigation of the matrix effects caused by the grain co‐extractives; (3) direct comparison of ELISA with conventional GLC analysis; (4) tests for cross‐reactivity to other pesticides and metabolites. The results from the pirimiphos‐methyl and fenitrothion kits are reported in detail, together with the preliminary results for the chlorpyrifos‐methyl kit.