Persistence of acephate and methamidophos in/on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)
Sarswati Negi, ID Sharma, Tanuja Banshtu and RS Chandel
The persistence study on okra fruits recorded initial deposits due to single dose each of acephate and methamidophos as 1.858 and 0.048 mg kg-1, respectively. However, at double dose the deposits were 3.337 and 0.068 mg kg-1 for respective insecticide. The initial deposits of 0.291 and 0.483 mg kg-1 at single dose and 0.443 and 0.056 mg kg-1 at double dose were observed for acephate and methamidophos, respectively, in okra cropped soil. Acephate residues persisted in okra fruits upto 7 and 10 days at single and double dose, respectively. The safe waiting periods on okra were suggested as 8.2 days for acephate, respectively. The washing of okra fruits by tap water, saline water and lukewarm water were found effective in removing the residues upto 41.87, 50.00 and 58.13 percent, respectively. Open pan and microwave cooking provided upto 56.20 and 63.50 percent relief, respectively from insecticide contamination.