Spatial Distribution and Migration Characteristic of Forchlorfenuron in Oriental Melon Fruit by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging
Qi Wang,
Xiaohui Li,
Hongping Wang,
Simeng Li,
Chen Zhang,
Xueying Chen,
Jing Dong,
Hua Shao,
Jing Wang,
Fen Jin
Affiliations
Qi Wang
Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards & Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
Xiaohui Li
Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards & Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
Hongping Wang
Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards & Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
Simeng Li
Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards & Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
Chen Zhang
Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards & Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
Xueying Chen
Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards & Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
Jing Dong
Shimadzu China MS Center, Beijing 100020, China
Hua Shao
Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards & Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
Jing Wang
Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards & Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
Fen Jin
Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards & Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
Forchlorfenuron is a widely used plant growth regulator to support the pollination and fruit set of oriental melons. It is critical to investigate the spatial distribution and migration characteristics of forchlorfenuron among fruit tissues to understand its metabolism and toxic effects on plants. However, the application of imaging mass spectrometry in pesticides remains challenging due to the usually extremely low residual concentration and the strong interference from plant tissues. In this study, a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) method was developed for the first time to obtain the dynamic images of forchlorfenuron in oriental melon. A quantitative assessment has also been performed for MALDI-MSI to characterize the time-dependent permeation and degradation sites of forchlorfenuron in oriental melon. The majority of forchlorfenuron was detected in the exocarp and mesocarp regions of oriental melon and decreased within two days after application. The degradation rate obtained by MALDI-MSI in this study was comparable to that obtained by HPLC-MS/MS, indicating that the methodology and quantification approach based on the MALDI-MSI was reliable and practicable for pesticide degradation study. These results provide an important scientific basis for the assessment of the potential risks and effects of forchlorfenuron on oriental melons.
