Effect of storage, peeling and washing on residues of maneb (ethylene-bis-dithiocarbamates) on tomatoes (Lypercicon esculenta, Var. Roma VF)

Abstract

Residues of maneb, a fungicide widely used to control tomato diseases in Cameroon, were determined using a colorimetric method to examine the effects of peeling and washing of tomato variety Roma VF fruit. Fruits were stored in atmospheric air over 14 days. Peeling removed more residues than washing. Storage in atmospheric air reduced residues by 56 to 72% of the total initial amounts. Maneb residues on harvested raw tomatoes degraded quantitatively less during storage. Since peeling removes both pesticides and vital nutrients, the benefits of peeling are questionable and storage for lengthier periods may be more desirable.

Keywords:

• Peeling
• washing
• storage
• maneb residues
• tomatoes