Pesticide use and residue management in brinjal crop Solanum melongena (Lin.)

Abstract

The crop of brinjal is vulnerable to several pests, illnesses, and insects. The growers of eggplants employ fungicides and chemical insecticides in a combination of two to three. Insect resistance to pesticides and residual issues arise from the continuous and careless application of insecticides. The health risks associated with pesticide residues in food, whether short-or long-term, are dose-dependent. The amount of pesticide consumed per kilogram of body weight determines whether or not there may be health risks. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India sets the maximum residue limits (MRLs) values for various pesticides in various crops in our nation (FSSAI). Using more recent pesticides is safer in terms of toxicity to non-targets, safer for the environment, and also prevents the target pest from developing resistance. Integrated pest management, or IPM, is one of the most important and environmentally safe solutions to boost crop yield in the nation while ensuring the sustainability of the brinjal crop. Farmers must decide which pesticide to use and how to apply it correctly. Each pesticide label that comes with the formulation package details the amount to be used, when and how to apply it, as well as any necessary precautions to take both during and after application. Teaching farmers to use pesticides safely is the biggest challenge. Building robust and efficient networks amongst farmers, extension agents, and research organizations is necessary to provide healthy food, minimize the use of pesticides, and save the environment.