Abstract:
The effect of pre-harvest sprays of pesticides on agricultural products poses a risk to human
health. Field studies on residues of pyrethroid pesticide, cypermethrin (ripcord 10E) in ripe
strawberry fruits were conducted during November 2020 to February 2021. Residues were
quantified at different harvest intervals of 0 (2h), 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 12 days after insecticide
application. Strawberry fruits had the highest residual level (0.874 mg/kg) at 0 DAS (Days after
spraying). The detected residue level was higher than the MRL (maximum residue limit) up to 7
DAS (0.101 mg/kg). Therefore, the Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI) of cypermethrin was detected up
to 10 DAS for strawberry. Data indicated that no pesticide residues were detected after 12 DAS.
Spraying of insecticide also affect the quality of strawberries. Strawberry juice had a lower
content of ascorbic acid at 1-7 DAS and a lower titratable acidity at 0 and 3 DAS. The phenolic
content in fruits were increased gradually 1-7 DAS of cypermethrin. As a result, it can be
concluded that delaying fruit harvesting after 7 DAS improves fruit quality by lowering residue
levels below the MRL.
Description:
A Thesis
Submitted to the Faculty of Agriculture,
Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka,
In Partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE
IN
HORTICULTURE
