Persistence of Bifenthrin Residues on Mango (Mangifera indica) fruit

Persistence of bifenthrin was studied on mango following its repeated spray treatment from flowering to 1 month before harvest. Initial deposit of 0.82 and 1.45 μg g⁻¹ of bifenthrin was observed. Residues on mango peel persisted for more than a month and rate of degradation was very slow. The amount of residues in the pulp was very low and became non-detectable after 15 days. The half-llfe of bifenthrin on mango peel was ∼11 days. No residue were found in mango samples where bifenthrin application was given only at flowering, lime size or at both stages. Based on the maximum residue limit (MRL) value of 0.5 μg g⁻¹, a pre harvest interval (PHI) of 6 and 16 days was worked out for treatment at recommended and double the recommended dose. The residues in pulp at all ltmes were below the MRL value.