EFFECT OF PRE-HARVEST CYPERMETHRIN SPRAY ON RESIDUAL LEVEL AND BIOCHEMICAL ATTRIBUTES OF STRAWBERRY FRUIT

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.