Influence of pre-harvest spray of cypermethrin on residual levels and quality of strawberry fruit

Pesticides increase agricultural production, but they also have negative impacts on human health when used in excess. Pesticide residues must be lower than the maximum residual limits (MRLs) for safe consumption. Field investigations were done in 2021 to assess the residues of the pyrethroid insecticide cypermethrin (Ripcord 10E) in ripe strawberry fruits. Following insecticide application, residue levels were assessed at different harvest intervals: 0 (2 hr), 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 12 days. According to the findings, after spraying (DAS), strawberry fruits had the highest residual levels (0.874 mg/kg). Up to 7 DAS, the observed residual level was higher (0.101 mg/kg) than maximum residue limits of European Union (EU-MRLs). On 10 DAS, the measured residue level decreased below the MRLs. As a result of our findings, Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI) of cypermethrin was detected for strawberries up to 10 DAS. The data showed that no pesticide residues were identified at 12 DAS. Insecticide spraying has an impact on strawberry quality as well. Fruits' phenolic content increased steadily between 1 and 7 DAS of cypermethrin. Pre-harvest cypermethrin spray can delay the increase of TSS and sustain TA content. Therefore, it can be said that the pesticide residues found were lower than the corresponding EU-MRLs, indicating that picked strawberries are safe for consumers.