Preliminary Evaluation of Historical used Pesticides in Quercus robur Wood in Belgium: a Negative Finding

Abstract

Historically used pesticides poses a threat to biodiversity while their release pathways remain unclear. Trees could be a potential release source due to their long lifespan. This study examined 38 samples to assess pesticide concentrations in pedunculate oak from Belgium. Low concentrations of procymidone were detected in two samples from one stump. Our findings suggest that accumulations of historically used pesticides in pedunculate oaks within forests are improbable. We conclude that leaving dead wood poses no risks for pesticide release to the environment. However, further research involving diverse tree species and regions is needed to refine and validate this conclusion.