RESIDUES OF LAMBDA-CYHALOTHRIN IN /ON ORANGE FRUITS AND ITS EFFECT ON SOME QUALITY PROPERTIES

Abstract

Pesticides are known to interfere with the biochemical processes of plants, lowering their food quality. Therefor, this study was designed to evaluate persistence of Lambda-cyhalothrin in / on fresh orange fruits and investigate its effect on fruit quality. The insecticide residues were determined using GCECD system. Also, the biochemical parameters were determined using spectrophotometric techniques. The results showed that a waiting period of 7days after application on orange is enough to reduce the Lambda-cyhalothrin residues to below the maximum residue limits (MRL). Lambda-cyhalothrin rapidly disappeared with half-life (t 1⁄2) of 1.6 days on orange fruits. Furthermore, the ascorbic acid content and dry matter percentage were significantly reduced however, total protein content, acidity (%), moisture(%) and total soluble solids (T.S.S,%) were significantly increased in Lambda-cyhalothrin treated compared to untreated orange fruits.