Monitoring and decontamination of pesticide residues in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus Moench).

ABSTRACT

A monitoring study was carried out in okra for a period of six months to assess the level of pesticide residues of three different chemical groups ie organochlorines, organophosphates and synthetic pyrethroids. Okra samples showed residues of malathion and profenophos. To evaluate the effect of different decontaminating solutions in the removal of pesticide residues, okra var. Varsha Upahar was sprayed with a mixture of pesticides which were frequently detected in okra. Estimation of residues was done using Gas Chromatograph equipped with Electron Capture Detector. The results indicated that dipping in tamarind (2 %) solution for 15 minutes followed by washing in tap water was found to be more effective in reducing all pesticides tested when compared with other treatment solutions. This study helped to standardize simple cost effective strategies to eliminate harmful pesticides from okra which could be practiced by home makers.