Pesticide residues on vegetables using rapid detection tools: an update

Issue Date

10-2016

Abstract

The rapid test kit (RTK) and the rapid bioassay per pesticide residues (RBPR)are tools for the rapid detection of organophosphate (OP) and carbamate (CBM)residues on selected vegetables. The RTK developed of NCPC, UPLB [University of the Philippines Los Baños] and RBPR developed at TARI, are based on colorimetric and enzymatic tests, respectively. The RTK covers FPA-registered OP and CBM pesticides on sring beans, green beans, tomato, eggplant, bitter gourd, pechay and okra, whereas the RBPR targets all OPs and CBMs on vegetables and fruits. The detectability of RTK was tested on Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) levels specific pesticide-vegetable combination. Of the 10 pesticides recommended by FPA for various vegetables, 53 MRLs were tested and 31-100% of the MRLs were positive using RTK test. The sensitivity of MRLs of carbaryl for all tested vegetables was 100%. The MRLs of fenthion on pechay and tomato were detected using the RTK were also detected. The use of RTK and the detectability at MRL levels on selected vegetable-pesticide combination will be expanded. For RBPR, tests were done on market collected samples either as organic or conventional farming source. On the 26 samples analyzed, 12 samples resulted in positive inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. In organic outlets, 8/19 vegetables (42%) were beyond the acceptable standard of 15% inhibition. In comparison, three out of seven samples sourced from conventional market outlets were greater than 35% inhibition (42.8% not acceptable) and 1/7 in the upper limit set at 30% inhibition. Highest inhibition detected was on bittergourd (organic) greater than tomato greater than pechay greater than cabbage (conventional). Additional treats will be done on vegetable farms and markets in Benguet, Laguna and Quezon [Philippines] and a database will be generated, to include a classical chemical residue analysis for final confirmation.

Source or Periodical Title

The Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

30

Issue

2

Page

179-180

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

MOMORDICA; AUBERGINES; KIDNEY BEANS; OKRAS; TOMATOES; ORGANIC FOODS; FOOD CONTAMINATION; PESTS OF PLANTS; CARBAMATES; PESTICIDES; RESIDUES

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