Behavior of acetamiprid, azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, and lambda-cyhalothrin in/on pomegranate tissues

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Food Safety

Background:

• Pesticide use in pomegranate cultivation is extensive, yet data on their behavior within the plant is limited.
• Understanding pesticide dissipation is crucial for ensuring fruit safety and meeting quality standards.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the behavior and dissipation kinetics of acetamiprid, azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, and lambda-cyhalothrin in pomegranate fruits and leaves.
• To determine the pre-harvest intervals (PHI) for these pesticides under different application rates.
• To provide data for safe pomegranate production and compliance with quality control.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the QuEChERS analytical method for sample preparation.
• Employed Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) for precise quantification.
• Analyzed pesticide residues in pomegranate fruits, leaves, and arils.

Main Results:

• Pesticides exhibited first-order dissipation kinetics with half-lives of 9.2-13 days in fruits and 13.5-17 days in leaves.
• Residues of acetamiprid, lambda-cyhalothrin, and pyraclostrobin were below quantification limits in the aril.
• Azoxystrobin was detected in the aril, peaking at 0.04 mg kg⁻¹ by day 10 and falling below limits by day 25.
• Calculated PHIs ranged from 40 to 75 days depending on the pesticide and application dose.

Conclusions:

• Pesticides demonstrate greater persistence in pomegranate leaves than in fruits.
• The study provides essential data for establishing safe pre-harvest intervals, ensuring consumer safety, and meeting export quality requirements for pomegranates.
• Findings support informed pesticide management strategies in pomegranate cultivation.