Dissipation kinetics of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole on chili and soil

Effect of microorganisms on degradation of fluopyram and tebuconazole in laboratory and field studies

Nowadays, chemical pesticides are the most widespread measure used to control crop pests and diseases. However, their negative side effects prompted the researchers to search for alternative options that were safer for the environment and people. Pesticide biodegradation by microorganisms seems to be the most reasonable alternative. The aim of the laboratory studies was to assess the influence of Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma harzianum, used separately and combined together, on fluopyram and tebuconazole degradation. In field studies, the degradation of fluopyram and tebuconazole after the application of the biological preparation in apples was investigated. The results from the laboratory studies show that the greatest decomposition of fluopyram and tebuconazole was observed in tests with T. harzianum in a range of 74.3-81.5% and 44.5-49.2%, respectively. The effectiveness of fluopyram degradation by B. subtilis was 7.5%, while tebuconazole inhibited bacterial cell growth and no degradation was observed. The mixture of microorganisms affected the degradation of fluopyram in a range of 8.3-24.1% and tebuconazole in a range of 6.1-23.3%. The results from the field studies show that degradation increased from 3.1 to 30.8% for fluopyram and from 0.4 to 14.3% for tebuconazole when compared to control samples. The first-order kinetics models were used to simulate the residue dissipation in apples. For the determination of pesticide residues, the QuEChERS method for apple sample preparation was performed, followed by GC-MS/MS technique. Immediately after the treatments, the maximum residue level (MRL) values for tebuconazole were exceeded, and it was equal to 100.7% MRL for the Red Jonaprince variety and 132.3% MRL for the Gala variety. Thus, preharvest time is recommended to obtain apples in which the concentration of pesticides is below the MRL and which can be recognized as safe for humans.

Maternal exposure to chiral triazole fungicide tebuconazole induces enantioselective thyroid disruption in zebrafish offspring

Pesticides could induce long-term impacts on aquatic ecosystem via transgenerational toxicity. However, for many chiral pesticides, the potential enantioselectivity of transgenerational toxicity has yet to be fully understood. In this study, we used zebrafish as models to evaluate the maternal transfer risk of tebuconazole (TEB), which is a chiral triazole fungicide currently used worldwide and has been frequently detected in surface waters. After 28-day food exposure (20 and 400 ng/g) to the two enantiomers of TEB (S- and R-TEB) in adult female zebrafish (F0), increased malformation rate and decreased swimming speed were found in F1 larvae, with R-TEB showing higher impacts than S-enantiomer. Additionally, enantioselective effects on the secretion of thyroid hormones (THs) and expression of TH-related key genes along the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis were found in both F0 and F1 after maternal exposure. Both the two enantiomers significantly disrupted the triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) contents in F0 with different degrees, whereas in F1, significant effects were only found in R-TEB groups with decreasing of both T3 and T4 contents. Most of the HPT axis related genes in F0 were upregulated by TEB and more sensitive to R-TEB than to S-TEB. In contrast, most of the genes in F1 were downregulated by both R- and S-TEB, especially the genes that are primarily responsible for thyroid development and growth (Nkx2-1), TH synthesis (NIS and TSHꞵ) and metabolism (Deio1). Findings from this study highlight the key role of enantioselectivity in the ecological risk assessment of chiral pesticides through maternal transfer.

Dissipation and risk assessment of fluopyram and trifloxystrobin on onion by GC-MS/MS

The dissipation and risk assessment studies on fluopyram, trifloxystrobin and their metabolites were carried out on onion under field conditions after two treatments of fluopyram 250 g/L + trifloxystrobin 250 g/L SC @ 150 and 300 g a.i. ha^-1. The onion bulb samples were collected at 0, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after second spray to study the pattern of dissipation using QuEChERS methodology for processing and analysis on GC-MS/MS. The total initial residues of fluopyram (fluopyram + fluopyram benzamide) in immature onion bulb were 2.14 and 4.93 mg kg^-1, at single and double dose, respectively. The residues of 0.02 and 0.06 mg kg^-1 persisted in the mature onion bulb collected at the harvest (30 days after treatment). The total initial residues of trifloxystrobin (trifloxystrobin + CGA 321113) in immature onion bulb were 0.65 and 1.97 mg kg^-1, at single and double dose, respectively, which reached < LOQ and 0.06 mg kg^-1 at the respective doses at the harvest time. Dissipation of fluopyram followed second-order kinetics with DT₅₀ values of 1.83 and 1.74 days, whereas trifloxystrobin followed first-order kinetics with DT₅₀ values of 4.73 and 4.78 days, at single and double dose respectively. Risk assessment in terms of hazard quotient was done to estimate the risk that can occur due to application of this combination pesticide. It was observed that even the spray at the double recommended dose could not have dietary risks on the consumers.

Recent advances in assessment methods and mechanism of microbe-mediated chlorpyrifos remediation

Chlorpyrifos (CP) is one of the Organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) primarily used in agriculture to safeguard crops from pests and diseases. The pervasive use of chlorpyrifos is hazardous to humans and the environment as it inhibits the receptor for acetylcholinesterase activity, leading to abnormalities linked to the central nervous system. Hence, there is an ardent need to develop an effective and sustainable approach to the on-site degradation of chlorpyrifos. The role of microbes in the remediation of pesticides is considered the most effective and eco-friendly approach, as they have strong degradative potential due to their gene and enzymes naturally adapted to these sites. Several reports have previously been published on exploring the role of microbes in the degradation of CP. However, detection of CP as an environmental contaminant is an essential prerequisite for developing an efficient microbial-mediated biodegradation method with less harmful intermediates. Most of the articles published to date discuss the fate and impact of CP in the environment along with its degradation mechanism but still fail to discuss the analytical portion. This review is focused on the latest developments in the field of bioremediation of CP along with its physicochemical properties, toxicity, fate, and conventional (UV-Visible spectrophotometer, FTIR, NMR, GC-MS, etc) and advanced detection methods (Biosensors and immunochromatography-based methods) from different environmental samples. Apart from it, this review explores the role of metagenomics, system biology, in-silico tools, and genetic engineering in facilitating the bioremediation of CP. One of the objectives of this review is to educate policymakers with scientific data that will enable the development of appropriate strategies to reduce pesticide exposure and the harmful health impacts on both Human and other environmental components. Moreover, this review provides up-to-date developments related to the sustainable remediation of CP.

Persistence and dissipation kinetics of tebuconazole in apple, tomato, chilli and onion crops of Himachal Pradesh, India

Tebuconazole is a broad-spectrum fungicide extensively used worldwide for the control of many diseases such as powdery mildew and scab in apple, early blight of tomato, anthracnose of chilli, white rot and purple blotch of onion etc. Maximum residue level of this compound has not been worked out on these crops in India; the persistence and dissipation kinetics of tebuconazole on apple, tomato, chilli and onion were studied following three foliar applications of the formulation Folicur 430 SC at a standard dose (X) 322, 268.75, 215 and 215 g a.i./ha and at double dose (2X) 645, 537.5, 430 and 430 g a.i./ha, respectively, to work out the safe waiting periods and half-life period of tebuconazole. Extraction was done using QuEChERS method and cleanup by using dispersive solid-phase method. Tebuconazole residues were estimated on gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The recovery of tebuconazole in fortified matrix was above 90% with a limit of quantification (LOQ) at 0.05 mg kg^-1. The initial deposits of tebuconazole on apple at two locations under study ranged from 1.986-2.011 mg kg^-1at X dose to 3.698-3.843 mg kg^-1 at 2X dose. The initial deposits in tomato, chilli and onion were 1.129, 1.760 and 1.169 mg kg^-1 at X dose and 2.213, 2.784 and 2.340 mg kg^-1, respectively at the 2X dose. Dissipation of the fungicide followed first-order of kinetics and the half life of degradation ranged from 1.30-2.25 days at X dose to 1.40-2.62 days at 2X days on different crops under study. Residues declined below the determination limit (LOQ) of 15 and 20 days after spraying, respectively, at X and 2X dose in apple; 7 and 10 days in tomato; 10 and 15 days in chilli and onion. Waiting periods of 5, 2, 7 and 12 days, respectively, are suggested for apple, tomato, chilli and onion at 2X dose.

Dissipation and decontamination behavior of pre-mix formulation of tebuconazole and rifloxystrobin fungicides in okra

The present study was done to assess the dissipation behavior, decontamination, and half-life time of ready-mix formulation of trifloxystrobin (25% w/w) and tebuconazole (50% w/w) in okra and soil under the crop after foliar spray at fruiting stage. Samples of okra and soil were collected periodically, i.e., zero (2 h after spray), 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, and 25 days after third application at a 7-day interval. Residues of these fungicides were determined by gas liquid chromatography (GLC) equipped with electron capture detector (ECD) and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GCMS-triple quadruple). The limits of quantification (LOQ) and detection (LOD) for both the fungicides were 0.01 and 0.003 mg kg^-1, respectively. Washing alone with faucet water was found successful in minimizing the residues. Soil was free from residual contamination at fifth day after spraying in case of both the fungicides and at both the doses.

Determination, residue and risk assessment of trifloxystrobin, trifloxystrobin acid and tebuconazole in Chinese rice consumption

A simple and rapid analytical method for the detection of trifloxystrobin, trifloxystrobin acid and tebuconazole in soil, brown rice, paddy plants and rice hulls was established and validated by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Acceptable linearity (R²  > 0.99), accuracy (average recoveries of 74.3-108.5%) and precision (intra- and inter-day relative standard deviations of 0.9-8.8%) were obtained using the developed determination approach. In the field trial, the half-lives of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole in paddy plants were 5.7-8.3 days in three locations throughout China, and the terminal residue concentrations of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole were <100 and 500 μg/kg (maximum residue limits set by China), respectively, at harvest, which indicated that, based on the recommended application procedure, trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole are safe for use on rice. The risk assessment results demonstrated that, owing to risk quotient values of both fungicides being <100%, the potential risk of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole on rice was acceptable for Chinese consumers. These data could provide supporting information for the proper use and safety evaluation of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole in rice.

Persistence, dissipation, and risk assessment of a combination formulation of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole fungicides in/on tomato

Multi-locational supervised field trials were conducted in different agro-climatic regions in India to study dissipation of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole in tomato after spraying a combination formulation (trifloxystrobin 25% + tebuconazole 50%, 75WG) at recommended doses: (i) single (trifloxystrobin 87.5 g a.i. ha^-1 + tebuconazole 175 g a.i. ha^-1) and (ii) double (trifloxystrobin 175 g a.i. ha^-1 + tebuconazole 350 g a.i. ha^-1). Fruit samples were extracted with ethyl acetate using a modified QuEChERS method. The residues (parent fungicides + metabolite) were analyzed and confirmed by GC-ECD and GC-MS, respectively. The half-life (t_1/2) of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole in tomato varied from 1.08 to 1.72 and 1.13 -to 1.64 days at single; and 1.27 to 2.13 and 1.24 to 1.96 days at double dose, respectively. Since maximum residue limit (MRL) at pre-harvest interval (PHI) of 5 days is impractical, as tomato is usually harvested and consumed almost everyday after the last spray, the risk assessment was performed at minimum PHI of 1 day. Accordingly, on the basis of supervised field trial data and using OECD MRL calculator, MRL of 0.5 and 1.5 mg kg^-1 at single dose were proposed for trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole in/on tomato, respectively.

Residue dynamics and risk assessment of Luna Experience® (fluopyram + tebuconazole) and chlorpyrifos on French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

The persistence of chlorpyrifos, fluopyram, and tebuconazole was estimated in green pods, matured seeds, and soil of French beans using dispersive QuEChERS. Three foliar applications each of chlorpyrifos and a combination fungicide fluopyram + tebuconazole (Luna experience, 400 SC) were applied at 600 and 125 + 125 as a standard dose and 1200 and 250 + 250 g a.i. ha^-1 as a double dose, respectively, were applied at an interval of 10 days and treated pods were picked up at regular intervals. Dried mature seeds and soil were also monitored at harvest. The initial deposits of chlorpyrifos on bean pods were 3.083 and 6.017 mg kg^-1 with a half-life of 1.86 and 2.29 days, at respective doses. Foliar application of a combi product Luna experience yielded 3.396 and 5.772 mg kg^-1 residues of fluopyram and 3.613 and 5.887 mg kg^-1 of tebuconazole in green pods at standard and double dose with almost same half-lives of 3.4 and 3.8-3.9 days. Residues declined below the limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.05 mg kg^-1 in green beans after 15 and 25 days after the application of double dose of chlorpyrifos and Luna experience, respectively. However, the residues in dry bean seeds and soil reached below the LOQ of 0.05 mg kg^-1 at the time of harvest. A pre-harvest interval of 5, 10, and 7 days has been proposed for chlorpyrifos, fluopyram, and tebuconazole, respectively, in beans. HQ < 1 and TMDI < MPI in all test chemicals. Hence, it was concluded that a waiting period of 5 days for chlorpyrifos and 7-10 days in Luna experience will be safer to consumers. This data generated will be useful for regulatory agency for fixing MRLs.

Tebuconazole alters morphological, behavioral and neurochemical parameters in larvae and adult zebrafish (Danio rerio)

In this study, we evaluated the effects of tebuconazole on morphology and exploratory larvae behavior and adult locomotion. Furthermore, we analyzed the effects of this fungicide on AChE activity and gene expression in zebrafish larvae and in the adult zebrafish brain. Tebuconazole (4 mg/L) increased the ocular distance in larvae and reduced the distance travelled, absolute turn angle, line crossing and time outside area in exposed larvae. Moreover, adult zebrafish that were exposed to this fungicide (4 and 6 mg/L) showed a decrease in distance travelled and mean speed when compared to the control group. However, tebuconazole did not alter the number of line crossings or time spent in the upper zone. Tebuconazole inhibited AChE activity at concentrations of 4 mg/L for larvae and 4 and 6 mg/L in the adult zebrafish brain. However, this fungicide did not alter AChE gene expression in the adult zebrafish brain but increased AChE mRNA transcript levels in larvae. These findings demonstrated that tebuconazole could modulate the cholinergic system by altering AChE activity and that this change may be associated with the reduced locomotion of these animals.

Residue analysis and risk assessment of tebuconazole in jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill)

In this study, a sensitive and reliable analytical method, based on a modified Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe procedure, was established for determination of tebuconazole in jujube. After extraction with acetonitrile, the samples were cleaned up by dispersive solid-phase extraction with primary secondary amine, and determined by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. At fortification levels of 0.01, 0.1 and 2.0 mg kg^-1 , the average recoveries of tebuconazole in jujube were in the range 97.6-101.9%, with relative standard deviations of 1.5-3.5%. The dissipation and residual levels of tebuconazole in jujube under field conditions were investigated. Tebuconazole dissipated relatively slowly in jujube, with a half-life of 33.0 days. The terminal residue experiments of tebuconazole in jujube were conducted in four locations in China and the risk was evaluated using risk quotients (RQ). RQ values were found to be significantly lower than RQ = 1, indicating that the risk to human health of using the recommended doses of tebuconazole in jujube was not significant. This study could provide guidance for the safe and reasonable use of tebuconazole in jujube and serve as a reference for the establishment of limit of maximum residue in China.

An overview on common aspects influencing the dissipation pattern of pesticides: a review

The common aspects and processes influencing dissipation kinetics of pesticides are determinants of their fate in the environment. Nowadays, with increasing population, the demand for food and fodder crops has also increased. With the development in science and technology, the methods of controlling pests may improve, but the major role played by the environment cannot be altered, i.e. the environmental factors, climatic conditions, and geology of areas under cultivation. Plants play a crucial role in the dissipation kinetics, as they may vary in species and characteristics. Differences in physico-chemical properties, such as formulation, bioavailability, and efficacy of the pesticide, may result in variable dissipation patterns even under the same environmental conditions. While modelling the dissipation kinetics for any specific pesticide applied to any specific crop, each factor must be considered. This review focusses on the variability observed across common factors, i.e. environmental aspects, plant-associated facts, and observed characteristics of chemical substances, influencing pesticide dissipation.

Residue decline and risk assessment of fluopyram + tebuconazole (400SC) in/on onion (Allium cepa)

A method was validated for estimating fluopyram and tebuconazole in onion on LC-MS/MS using dispersive QuEChERS. Three sprays of a combination fungicide fluopyram + tebuconazole (Luna experience, 400 SC) were applied @ 75 + 75 and 150 + 150 g a.i. ha^-1 at an interval of 10 days on onion using Knapsack sprayer. First spray was made at bulb setting stage. Spring onion samples were drawn at 0 (1 h), 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, and 20 days and matured onion bulb at harvest (52 days) after the last spray. Soil samples were also drawn at harvest. Foliar application of the combination product resulted in 1.14 and 2.86 mg kg^-1 fluopyram residues on spring onion at standard and double dose, respectively, one hour after the last application. The levels of fluopyram residues gradually declined and recorded 0.25 and 0.58 mg kg^-1 on 20th day of application with half-lives of 8.8 and 9.1 days at standard and double dose, respectively. For tebuconazole, the corresponding residues observed after 1 h (0 day) of application were 0.92 and 2.29 mg kg^-1. The levels declined gradually to 0.12 and 0.33 mg kg^-1 on 20th days with half-life of 6.7 to 7.7 days at standard and double dose, respectively. Here, we are proposing a pre-harvest interval of 7 day for fluopyram and tebuconazole in spring onion when applied at 75 + 75 g a.i. ha^-1 (400 SC). Risk assessment was done by calculating hazard quotient and by comparing theoretical maximum residue intake (TMRI) with maximum permissible intake (MPI). In all the cases, results of the study showed that HQ (Hazard Quotient) ≤1 and TMDI < MPI. Hence, the use of this combination product can be recommended with pre harvest interval of 7 days. The data can be used in establishing MRLs (maximum residue limits) for spring onion after considering multilocation trials.

Comparison of the residue persistence of trifloxystrobin (25%) + tebuconazole (50%) on gherkin and soil at two locations

Residue study of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole on gherkin was carried out at two locations (Bangalore and Gouribiddunur, India) after applications at the standard and double doses of 75 + 150 and of 150 + 300 g ha(-1) of the formulated product, trifloxystrobin (25%) + tebuconazole (50%) (Nativo 75 WG). The fungicides were determined by gas chromatography (GC) and confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Extraction and purification of the samples were carried out by Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) method after validating the analytical parameters. Initial residues of trifloxystrobin on gherkin fruits were 0.335 and 0.65 mg kg(-1) at Bangalore, and 0.34 and 0.615 mg kg(-1) at Gouribiddunur. Tebuconazole residues were 0.842 and 1.682 mg kg(-1) at Bangalore, and 0.71 and 1.34 mg kg(-1) at Gouribiddunur. Residue dissipation of the fungicides followed first-order rate kinetics. Trifloxystrobin residues dissipated at the half-life of 2.9-3.7 days, and tebuconazole at 3.2 days. At the standard dose treatment, trifloxystrobin residues dissipated to below the maximum residue limit (MRL) of 0.2 mg kg(-1) (European Union) within 3 days at both the locations. Residues of the metabolite CGA 321113 was less than the limit of quantification (LOQ; 0.05 mg kg(-1)) on all sampling days. Tebuconazole residues dissipated to below its MRL (0.05 mg kg(-1)) within 14 and 11 days, at Bangalore and Gouribiddunur, respectively. From the two trials, it was concluded that the required pre-harvest interval (PHI) for the combination formulation was 14 days. Application of Nativo 75 WG should be given before flowering to allow the residues to dissipate below the MRLs at harvest.

Track of fate and primary metabolism of trifloxystrobin in rice paddy ecosystem

Trifloxystrobin, a strobilurin fungicide, has been widely applied to control fungal diseases in various crops, especially in rice cultivation. However, its residual profile in rice paddy that was highly linked to its ecological risk still remains poorly understood. To elucidate the fate and primary metabolism of trifloxystrobin in rice paddy, a simple and efficient analytical method was developed using the DisQuE extraction kit combined with GC-μECD and GC-EI-MS/MS analyses. As a result, methodological recoveries of trifloxystrobin fortified in paddy water, soil and rice straw ranging from 0.005 to 2 mg kg(-1) (mg L(-1) for water) were acquired from 87.6% to 109.1% with relative standard deviation (RSD) from 1.9% to 9.5% (n=5), and the limit of detection (LOD, signal to noise (S/N)=3) and the limit of quantification (LOQ, S/N=10) were 6.3×10(-4) mg L(-1) and 2.09×10(-3) mg L(-1), respectively, which indicates the favorable accuracy, precision and sensitivity of the method for effective monitoring of the trace amounts of residual trifloxystrobin in the rice paddy. Furthermore, dissipation of residual trifloxystrobin was in accordance with the first-order rate equation, showing the half-lives from 0.7 to 7.5 days, illustrating that trifloxystrobin generally degraded in a rapid rate in the rice paddy. Additionally, trifloxystrobin acid identified as the primary metabolite of trifloxystrobin in the rice paddy via GC-EI-MS/MS analysis was found to be dominantly accumulated in the paddy water and maintained up to 2.41 mg L(-1) within 14 days, suggesting that long-term and frequent application of this fungicide may pose a high risk towards aquatic organisms in surrounding aqueous ecosystems through paddy drainage. Taken together, our data serve as a useful tool for monitoring residual trifloxystrobin in rice paddy ecosystem and also provide a basis for in-depth understanding of environmental behavior and ecological risk posed by this fungicide.

Dissipation, residues, and safety evaluation of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole on ginseng and soil

Supervised field trials at two locations in 2012 and 2013 were conducted to evaluate the dissipation, terminal residues, and safety evaluation of Nativo 75 water dispersible granule (WG) (25 % trifloxystrobin + 50 % tebuconazole) on ginseng and soil following foliar application at a recommended dose 150 (50 + 100) and 1.5 times of the recommended dosage 225 (75 + 150) g a.i. ha(-1). The average recoveries of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole at three spiking levels in ginseng root, stem, and leaf and in soil were in the ranges of 81.0-96.8 % and 80.2-97.5 % with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 4.92-13.13 % and 4.67-8.35 %, respectively. The half-lives of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole were 5.92-9.76 days and 4.59-7.53 days, respectively. The terminal residues were all below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) of EU, USA, Canada, Japan, and South Korea. The food safety was evaluated by comparing the estimated daily intake (IEDI) with its acceptable daily intake (ADI). IEDI values calculated from residue data were found to be far less than the ADI on ginseng. Therefore, it would be unlikely to cause health problems induced by Nativo 75 WG use on ginseng at a dosage of 150-225 g a.i. ha(-1).

Residue levels and dissipation behaviors for trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole in mango fruit and soil

An evaluation of residue levels of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole was carried out on mango fruits after treatments with the combined formulation, trifloxystrobin (25 % w/w) and tebuconazole (50 % w/w), at standard and double doses of 250 + 500 and 500 + 1000 g a.i. ha(-1), respectively. Extraction and purification of the mango fruit samples were carried out by the QuEChERS method after validating the analytical parameters. Determination of the fungicides was carried out by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) for both fungicides were 0.015 μg mL(-1) and 0.05 mg kg(-1), respectively. The residue levels of trifloxystrobin for standard and double-dose treatments were 0.492 and 0.901 mg kg(-1) and for tebuconazole were 0.535 and 1.124 mg kg(-1), respectively. A faster dissipation of tebuconazole in mango fruit was observed compared with that for tebuconazole. Dissipation of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole in mango followed first-order kinetics, and the half-lives were 9 and 6 days, respectively. The preharvest intervals (PHI), the time taken for the combined residues of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole to dissipate to their permissible levels (maximum residue limits), were 14 and 20 days for standard and double doses, respectively. At harvest, mature mango fruit and soil were free from fungicide residues.

Dissipation and residues of trifloxystrobin and its metabolite in rice under field conditions

Residue analysis of trifloxystrobin and its metabolite (CGA 321113) in rice matrices, paddy water, and soil was developed using the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method and high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The method was used to evaluate the dissipation rate of trifloxystrobin and CGA 321113 in rice seedling, soil, and paddy water as well as the residual level in harvest rice (grain, hull, straw) and soil. The results demonstrated that the dissipation half-lives of trifloxystrobin in rice seedling, soil, and water were 1.9 d to 4.7 d, 0.35 d to 0.54 d, and 0.28 d to 0.51 d, respectively. The final total residue of trifloxystrobin and CGA 321113 was highest in rice hull and lowest in paddy soil. The highest total residues in husked rice, rice hull, straw, and paddy soil at 28 d after spraying were 0.39 mg kg(-1), 3.82 mg kg(-1), 0.29 mg kg(-1), and 0.15 mg kg(-1), respectively. According to the final residue data and the maximum residue limits of trifloxystrobin in rice grain and straw (Codex Alimentarius) and in rice hull (US Environmental Protection Agency), 28 d could be recommended as the preharvest interval for trifloxystrobin application in the rice field. The data show that CGA 321113 constitutes a small amount of the final total residues in rice matrices, whereas it is much higher than its parent compound in soil samples.

Persistence and dissipation kinetics of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole in onion and soil

The persistence and dissipation kinetics of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole on onion were studied after application of their combination formulation at a standard and double dose of 75 + 150 and 150 + 300 g a.i. ha(-1). The fungicides were extracted with acetone, cleaned-up using activated charcoal (trifloxystrobin) and neutral alumina (tebuconazole). Analysis was carried out by gas chromatograph (GC) and confirmed by gas chromatograph mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The recovery was above 80% and limit of quantification (LOQ) 0.05 mg kg(-1) for both fungicides. Initial residue deposits of trifloxystrobin were 0.68 and 1.01 mg kg(-1) and tebuconazole 0.673 and 1.95 mg kg(-1) from standard and double dose treatments, respectively. Dissipation of the fungicides followed first-order kinetics and the half life of degradation was 6-6.6 days. Matured onion bulb (and field soil) harvested after 30 days was free from fungicide residues. These findings suggest recommended safe pre-harvest interval (PHI) of 14 and 25 days for spring onion consumption after treatment of Nativo 75 WG at the standard and double doses, respectively. Matured onion bulbs at harvest were free from fungicide residues.

Dissipation kinetics of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole on apple (Malus domestica) and soil--a multi location study from north western Himalayan region

A new combinational fungicide formulation trifloxystrobin 25%+tebuconazole 50% (Nativo 75WG), introduced as a part of resistance management strategy, was studied for dissipation behaviour on apple fruits. Nativo 75WG was sprayed twice at the rate of 400 g and 800 g a.i. ha(-1) equal to trifloxystrobin application rate of 100 and 200 g a.i. ha(-1) and tebuconazole at application rate of 200 and 400 g a.i. ha(-1) at four different locations in the Northwest Himalayan region of India. The fruit samples collected at 10d interval and soil samples taken at harvest time were analyzed after second spray. The residual concentrations of trifloxystrobin, its acid metabolite CGA 321113 and tebuconazole were measured. Residues of both fungicides were determined by using gas chromatograph, Agilent 6890N having electron capture detector. The mean initial deposits of trifloxystrobin at four locations were found to be in the range of 0.333-0.387 mg kg(-1) and 0.512-0.714 mg kg(-1) at the application rate of 100 and 200 g a.i. ha(-1), and half-life were found between 19.38-24.93 d and 19.84-28.86 d at the respective doses. The Σ-trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole residues were below determination limit in 40 d apple fruits and soil samples. Initial deposits of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole were below their Codex MRLs at the respective single doses. The half life value of the tebuconazole deposits ranged between 19.38-25.99 d and 19.84-28.86 d at the respective single and double dose. The study thus suggests 1d pre harvest interval for safe consumption of apple fruit after the application of Nativo 75 WG at single dose.

Variability of pesticide dissipation half-lives in plants

Information on dissipation kinetics of pesticides in food crops and other plants is a key aspect in current risk and impact assessment practice. This is because human exposure to pesticides is predominantly caused by residues in agricultural crops grown for human and animal consumption. However, modeling dissipation of pesticides in plants is highly uncertain and therefore strongly relies on experimental data. Unfortunately, available information on pesticide dissipation in plants from experimental studies only covers a small fraction of possible combinations of substances authorized for use on food and fodder crops. Additionally, aspects and processes influencing dissipation kinetics are still not fully understood. Therefore, we systematically reviewed 811 scientific literature sources providing 4513 dissipation half-lives of 346 pesticides measured in 183 plant species. We focused on the variability across substances, plant species and harvested plant components and finally discuss different substance, plant and environmental aspects influencing pesticide dissipation. Measured half-lives in harvested plant materials range from around 1 hour for pyrethrins in leaves of tomato and pepper fruit to 918 days for pyriproxyfen in pepper fruits under cold storage conditions. Ninety-five percent of all half-lives fall within the range between 0.6 and 29 days. Our results emphasize that future experiments are required to analyze pesticide-plant species combinations that have so far not been covered and that are relevant for human exposure. In addition, prediction models would help to assess all possible pesticide-plant species combinations in the context of comparative studies. The combination of both would finally reduce uncertainty and improve assumptions in current risk and impact assessment practice.

Dissipation kinetics of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole on wheat leaves and their harvest time residues in wheat grains and soil

Following single application of Nativo 75 WG (trifloxystrobin 25% + tebuconazole 50%) on wheat crop @ 300 and 600 g ha(-1), resulting in active application of trifloxystrobin @ 75.0 and 150.0 g a.i. ha(-1) and tebuconazole @ 150 and 300 g a.i. ha(-1), the average initial deposits of trifloxystrobin on wheat leaves were 5.54 and 8.30 mg kg(-1), and that of tebuconazole were 14.66 and 27.94 mg kg(-1), respectively. Half-life values for trifloxystrobin were observed to be 2.80 and 2.51 days whereas those for tebuconazole were found to be 2.46 and 1.85 days at recommended and double the recommended dosages, respectively. The residues of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole dissipated to the extent of >89% at both the dosages after 7 days. Wheat grain samples at harvest having pre harvest interval of 140 days did not show the presence of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole at their determination limit of 0.01 mg kg(-1).