Persistence and processing effects in reduction of residues of β-cyfluthrin + imidacloprid and its metabolite in hot pepper

ABSTRACT

Now a days, farmers prefer to use Premix Formulations instead of single pesticide for the control of insects and pests. Large number of premix formulations are available in the market, Solomom OD (β-cyfluthrin 90 + imidacloprid 210) is the preferred one in hot pepper. Thus, the present research was done to monitor the leftover and effect of household processing in reduction of premix formulation with its toxic metabolites in hot pepper. Quantification of leftovers in hot pepper fruits was done by using two analytical instruments viz., gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MSMS) in SCAN/MRM mode with a triple Quadrupole analyser and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using diode array detector. The limit of quantification (LOQ) for β-cyfluthrin was 0.05 mg kg⁻¹, and for imidacloprid and its metabolite 6-chloronicotinic acid (6-CNA) was 0.01 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. Based on Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) value by Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI), the safe waiting period suggested was 3rd day for β-cyfluthrin and 1st day for imidacloprid. Residues of β-cyfluthrin and imidacloprid were persisted up to 7 days in proposed dose (PD) and 10 days in double the proposed dose (DPD) after final spray. No residues of 6-CNA were detected in hot pepper at any stage. Frying after washing was found effective in decreasing the residues when compared to washing alone with plain water. Imidacloprid shows more per cent reduction (87.75–91.49%) in frying after washing when compared to β-cyfluthrin (76.29–84.01%). Red hot pepper and soil collected at 30 days (harvest time) after final spray were found free from pesticide contamination at all test doses.

KEYWORDS:

• Β-cyfluthrin
• dissipation
• GC-MSMS
• HPLC
• imidacloprid
• metabolite

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, for providing necessary facilities during the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.