Method validation and impact of curing on newer pesticide molecules in cardamom using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer

In the present study, a modified QuEChERS method was validated for detection of acetamiprid, azoxystrobin, clothianidin, chlorantraniliprole, emamectin benzoate, fluopyram, fipronil, imidacloprid, spinetoram J, spinetoram L, thiacloprid, tricyclazole and tebuconazole pesticide residues in six cardamom matrices (whole, pericarp and seed of green and cured cardamom).The standardized modified QuEChERS method showed recoveries within the acceptable range (80-115%).Analysis of whole, pericarp and seed matrices of fresh and cured cardamom revealed that the frequency and quantity of detected pesticide residues were significant in pericarp than seed.The hazard quotient (HQ) value for detected pesticide residues was <1 inferring acceptable risk to consumers.Fresh and cured cardamom samples collected and analysed from processing units located at Theni district showed 83.34-99.54%loss of imidacloprid and 45.71-75.2%loss of chlorantraniliprole residues due to curing.