Pesticides residues in broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica) for the national and international market

Abstract

The objective of this research was to analyze the agronomic characteristics and the presence of pesticides residues in broccoli heads ready for commercialization, in two production systems, one for the national market and other for export. Seventy-eight samples from a package of Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico and the supply center of Huixcolotla Puebla, Mexico were analyzed. For the agronomic evaluation, the following variables were considered: yield, weight, diameter, and color of the head. Pesticide residues were analyzed with the AOAC method 2007.01, modified by using ultra high efficiency liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) as a separation and quantification technique. The mean values of head diameter and weight were 15.13 cm and 464.95 g for Guanajuato and 13.67 cm and 539.47 g for Puebla, respectively. These values comply with the standards for the national market. The results from the analysis of pesticides residues indicate that 42 of the 78 samples were free of pesticides, 14 samples had non-quantifiable concentrations (traces) and 22 samples contained at least one residue. The pesticide residues found were: boscalid (0.0061 mg/kg), dimethoate (0.0068 mg/kg), imidacloprid (0.0087 mg/ kg), methamidophos (0.0266 mg/kg), ometoate (0.0111 mg/kg), penconazole (0.0039 mg/kg), propamocarb (0.0061 mg/kg), and thiametoxan (0.0045 mg/kg). In none of the cases the found concentrations exceed the maximum residues limits established by the National Service for Agro-Alimentary Public Health, Safety and Quality, and the Environmental Protection Agency.