Effect of pepper variety on the degradation behaviors of pirimicarb

In pesticide residue trials, selecting crop varieties that accurately represent agricultural practices and morphological diversity is essential to obtaining reliable and applicable results. Generally, widely grown varieties are given priority, but differences in pesticide residues may occur due to the morphological and physiological characteristics of plant varieties. This study investigated the degradation behaviors of pirimicarb in five pepper varieties in Tokat, Türkiye, in 2023. Pirimicarb, an insecticide registered against the peach aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer, 1776) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is widely used in peppers, tomatoes, sugar beets, and citrus fruits. While effective in pest control, pirimicarb inhibits acetylcholinesterase, posing neurotoxic risks to target and non-target organisms. Prolonged exposure may cause endocrine disruption and oxidative stress, making residue monitoring essential for food safety. Initially, a rapid and sensitive QuEChERS-LC-MS/MS method was verified to analyze pirimicarb in peppers. Analysis results show that pirimicarb in all varieties decreased below EU-MRL (0.5 mg kg-1) 24 hours after application. Significant variations in degradation rates and half-lives were observed among the varieties, attributed to their morphological and physiological differences. This research fills a critical gap by revealing the impact of varietal differences on the fate of pesticides, providing valuable data to optimize application strategies and ensure consumer safety.