Pesticide residues in samples of apples, lettuce and potatoes from integrated pest management in Slovenia from 2005-2009

Abstract

In the period from 2005 to 2009 225 samples of apples, lettuce and potatoes from Slovene producers included in integrated pest management (IPM) were analysed for plant protection product (PPP) residues. The samples were analysed for the presence of more than 200 different active compounds using four analytical methods. In 38.7% of apple samples residues were not detected, 58.6% of apple samples contained residues lower than or equal to Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) while 2.7% of apple samples exceeded MRLs. In 84.6% of lettuce samples residues were not detected, 12.3% of lettuce samples contained residues lower than or equal to MRLs while 3.1% of lettuce samples exceeded MRLs. In 98.0% of potato samples residues were not detected, 2.0% of potato samples contained residues lower than or equal to MRLs and no potato samples exceeded MRLs. Multiple residues were found only in apples and lettuce. The trend observed during the years was the decrease of sample portion of samples containing multiple residues in apples from 2005 to 2008. The most frequently found active substance in apples and lettuce was dithiocarbamates. In potato only phosalone was found.

Keywords

• apples
• lettuce
• potatoes
• integrated pest management
• plant protection product residues
• GC/MS