Residual Distribution Kinetics of Pesticides in Cherry Tomato Peel, Pulp, and Fruit as a Function of Irrigation Water Salinity, Household Rinsing, and Storage Regimen

Abstract

The increased demand of high quantity and quality of cherry tomatoes requires the application of a wide range of pre-harvest pesticides. The application of dozens of pre-harvest pesticides frequently results in multiple pesticide residues, to which the end consumer is exposed. Incorrect usage of these pesticides may result in hazardous food contamination and therefore, it is crucial to monitor pesticide residues in pre- and post-marketed agricultural commodities. Hence, the objectives of the present study were to characterize the distribution and residual levels of pre-harvest pesticides applied on cherry tomatoes, as a function of regulated storage conditions, irrigation water salinity levels, and tap water rinsing. The fruits were grown in a greenhouse and were designated for the local and international markets. The residual pesticide levels allowed us to perform a dietary risk assessment for the consumption of contaminated tomatoes. Tetraconazole was the only pesticide residue, exceeding the maximal residue limit (MRL) value of 50 µg/kg in the fruits after 5 days of storage time. Since tetraconazole was shown to potentially impair reproduction and fetal development, it is suggested that the last application of this pesticide would be restricted to not less than 56 days before harvest. The extent of pesticide peel penetrability as well as the pesticide distribution and residual levels in the peel and pulp were unaffected by the salinity level (electrical conductivity 1.5–3 ds/m) of the irrigation water. The most commonly applied household washing procedure for fruit and vegetables, using running tap water for 30 s, was ineffective in removing residual pesticides from the peel. Hence, more efficient washing procedures are required to improve consumers’ safety.

Peel Diffusion and Antifungal Efficacy of Different Fungicides in Pear Fruit: Structure-Diffusion-Activity Relationships

“…Pyrimethanil, fludioxonil, cyprodinil and kresoxim-methyl were detected in different layers of apple fruit, and the highest concentrations were found in the apple peel [ 24 ]. Shimshoni et al indicated that the peel penetrability of difenoconazole and tetraconazole in cherry tomatoes was not dependent on the salinity level of the irrigation solution [ 25 ]. Utture et al described that azoxystrobin penetrated the internal parts of pomegranate fruit, while carbendazim and difenoconazole remained in the outer rind [ 26 ].…”

Effect of storage conditions on content of pesticide residues in sweet cherries

“…While the relatively rapid decline in pesticide residues occurs within the pre-harvest period due to various environmental factors, their drop in post-harvest time can be slower and depends on the storage conditions ( https://ec.europa.eu/food/plant/pesticides_en ( European Commission ) ) . Furthermore, storage time and conditions such as temperature and humidity have been shown to have a major effect on fruit susceptibility to pests, on the accumulation of pesticide residues, and on fruit quality ( Shimshoni et al, 2019 ). Newly developed enhanced storage technologies and follow-up post-harvest protection, as well as technologies used to maintain high quality of fruit require an assessment of the impact of these technologies and products on the degradation of pesticide residues during the long-term storage ( Yigit and Velioglu, 2020 , Pandiselvam et al, 2020 ).…”