Determination of pesticide residual levels in some fresh fruits grown in Tokat province

It is known that the use of pesticides in agricultural production provides a significant increase in quality and yield, but when used in excess, it causes health problems for pesticide operators and consumers. In addition, pesticides also cause residue, pesticide resistance, adverse effects to natural enemies and environmental pollution. Although it is extremely important to carry out residue analyzes in order to determine the negative effects of pesticide residues on humans and the environment, studies on this subject are not sufficient in Turkey. Therefore, it is necessary to follow up residues from foods. This study was carried out to determine the residue levels of 260 pesticides active ingredients in 53 fruit samples in taken from different fruit production locations of Tokat province. The samples were analysed with the QuEChERS method; pesticide active ingredients were searched in LC-MS/MS. Residue amounts were evaluated according to EU-MRL values. As a result of pesticide residue analysis made from 17 apple samples, no active ingredients was found in 4 samples. 11 different pesticide active ingredients were detected in 13 samples. It was determined that the active ingredients of dimethoate+omethoate and diflubenzuron exceeded the EU-MRL values in 8 apple samples Although diflubenzuron is a licensed insectiside for codling moth (Cydia pomonella (L.)) it is quite remarkable that diflubenzuron exceeded EU-MRL value by 485 times in some samples. 9 samples were taken from peach production areas. According to the pesticide residue analysis, no active ingredient was found in 1 sample, in 8 samples, 9 different pesticide active ingredients were found. Dimethoate+omethoate active ingredient, which has a broad spectrum pesticide, was above the EU-MRL values in 3 samples. No active ingredient was found in 4 samples taken from the vine-growing regions in Tokat province. In the other 5 samples, 10 different pesticide active ingredients were found. Pesticide active ingredients in these samples did not exceed the EU-MRL values. As a result of pesticide residue analysis taken from 8 cherry samples, no pesticide active ingredient was found in 3 samples, and 6 different pesticide active ingredients were detected in the other 5 samples. It is noteworthy that the banned permethrin active ingredient was found in 2 samples. According to the analysis, it was observed that the pesticides in the other 6 samples did not exceed the EU-MRL values.