Dissipation of carbendazim and iprodion during cultivation of peaches in the Region of Souss Massa Valley (Morocco)

Abstract

The dissipation of carbendazim and iprodion on peaches in level agricultural field in the area valley of Souss Massa was studied. These two pesticides were selected on the basis of previous excesses of 29, 20 and 14%, respectively, found in peaches samples cultivated in 2010 in eastern Morocco. The concentrations of these pesticides in the air were related to their physicochemical properties and respective application rates. Peaches samples were collected during 10 week period in which two successive applications of these pesticides were performed. Gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC-ECD), liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), solid phase extraction (SPE) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to study the disappearance of these compounds in peaches. Residue levels in the plantation ranged between 0.28 and 0.10 mg/kg for carbendazim and between 0.52 and 0.06 mg/kg for iprodion. The residual concentrations after the preharvest intervals (PHI) were below the legal limits.