Investigation of the dissipation kinetics of lufenuron in pepper grown under field conditions

Pepper, Capsicum annuum L. (Solanales: Solanaceae) production is widely cultivated worldwide, with Türkiye ranks third in global pepper production. However, pests in pepper cultivation often necessitate pesticide use, leading to concerns about pesticide residue levels and their potential impact on food safety. This study investigated the dissipation behavior of lufenuron in pepper under field conditions in Tokat, Türkiye in 2022. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry coupled with the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe technique was used to analyze residues of lufenuron in pepper. The average recoveries varied from 77% to 97%, with relative standard deviations of 13% for lufenuron. Lufenuron residues administered as recommended dose and double dose degraded in pepper following a first-order kinetic model, with an estimated half-life (t1/2) of 4.33 and 6.42 days in Tokat, 6.80 and 7.45 days in Niksar, respectively. Furthermore, a health risk assessment was conducted, which showed that the chronic risk quotient for lufenuron was much lower than 1. The present results indicated that the health risks posed for consumers by the lufenuron residues were negligible at the recommended dosages.