Persistence and risk assessment of cypermethrin residues on chilli (Capsicum annuum L.).

The study was conducted to observe the persistence pattern and risk assessment of cypermethrin in chilli fruits following three applications of cypermethrin (Super fighter 25 EC) at 50 and 100 g a.i. ha(-1) at 10-day interval. Residues of cypermethrin in chilli were estimated by gas liquid chromatography (GLC) and were confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The average initial deposits of cypermethrin in chilli fruits were found to be 1.46 and 3.11 mg kg(-1), at recommended and double the recommended dosages, respectively, following third application of the insecticide. Half-life periods for cypermethrin were found to be 4.43 and 4.70 days at recommended and double the recommended dosages, respectively. Residues of cypermethrin declined below its limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.05 mg kg(-1) after 25 days at both the application dosages. Theoretical maximum residue contribution (TMRC) values were calculated from the residue data generated and were found to be below maximum permissible intake (MPI) even on 0 day. Therefore, according to our risk assessment studies, a waiting period of 1 day is suggested for consumption of chilli sprayed with cypermethrin at the recommended dosages.