Τemporal Variation in Pesticide Residues in Citrus Fruits from Chios, Greece, before and after the Development of an Integrated Pest Management Strategy (IPMS): A Five-Year Study (LIFE13 ENV GR/000414)

Abstract

The temporal variation in pesticide residues in Kampos, of Chios Island, in Greece, was determined between June 2014 and October 2019. Monitoring of residues took place before and after the development of an Integrated Pest Management Strategy (IPMS) for the sustainable control of the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) based on mass trapping with the non-toxic and environmentally friendly attractant Biodelear. A total of 1252 samples of citrus fruits, collected from 12 experimental citrus orchards, were analyzed for the presence of 353 active substances and metabolites of pesticides. A modified QuEChERS method and sensitive chromatographic techniques were used. During preparatory monitoring for the project, the most frequently detected pesticides were the insecticides chlorpyrifos, deltamethrin and spirotetramat; the fungicides propamocarb, dimethomorph and mepanipyrim; and the synergist piperonyl butoxide. The implementation of the IPMS to address medfly resulted in a dramatic reduction in the pesticides detected in citrus fruits during confirmatory monitoring, with no detectable residues—which may cause serious problems to human health—in any of the samples analyzed at the end of the project, thus enhancing consumer safety.

Exploring the Efficacy of Essential Oils in Laboratory Conditions for Controlling Mediterranean Fruit Fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

“…The essential oils of Mentha arvensis and Cinnamomum zeylanicum show environmentally acceptable potential for the management of Ceratitis capitata. Their diverse insecticidal properties, such as larval development suppression, oviposition deterrence, and adult mortality, make them promising candidates for integrated pest management programs (Bempelou et al, 2018). However, more study is required to optimize the formulations, enhance their persistence in the field, and identify synergistic combinations with other pest control methods.…”

“…However, more study is required to optimize the formulations, enhance their persistence in the field, and identify synergistic combinations with other pest control methods. In addition, it is crucial to comprehend the longterm effects of essential oil applications on the environment and the resistance development on C. capitata populations (Bempelou et al, 2018).…”

Validation of a Multi-Residue Analysis Method for 287 Pesticides in Citrus Fruits Mandarin Orange and Grapefruit Using Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry

“…Citrus fruits, oranges, grapefruits, and mandarin oranges, are among the most widely consumed fruits in the world [ 1 , 2 ]. Many species of fungi and insects infest citrus fruits, causing irreversible damage, leading to losses in crop yields [ 3 ]. Pesticides increase the production of agricultural products, such as citrus fruits.…”

“…Consequently, pesticide residues are frequently detected in agricultural products, affecting food quality and human safety. In addition, they can cause several health risks and deleterious effects on consumers [ 3 , 5 , 6 , 7 ].…”

Early and off-season biological control of medfly with entomopathogenic nematodes: From laboratory experiments to successful field trials

“…Entomopathogenic nematodes are typically applied and are successful against pests in the soil and cryptic habitats(Shapiro-Ilan et al 2012). Therefore, EPN application beneath the canopy of fruit trees can be used as a sustainable control measure that protect agroecosystem and consumer health(Bempelou et al 2021). Entomopathogenic nematodes can show high e cacy against med y in the laboratory(Gazit et al, 2000; Kapranas et al, 2021; Karagoz et al, 2009; James et al, 2018; Mokrini et al, 2020; Rohde et al, 2010;Yağcı et al, 2021).…”