Laikipia University Journals
Permanent URI for this communityhttp://41.89.103.50:4000/handle/123456789/25
Browse
1 results
Search Results
Item Determination of Maximum Residue Levels (Mrls) Of Lambda-Cyhalothrin (Karate 1.75 Ec) and Pre-Harvest Interval (Phi) on Tea in Kenya(Laikipia University, 2013) Cheshari Emily C.,; Sudoi Vincent...(et. al)Globally, 1031 species of arthropods are associated with the intensively managed tea. All parts of the plant, leaf, stem, root, flower, and seed, are fed upon by at least one pest species, resulting in an 11%–55% loss in yield if left unchecked, hence the need for use of pesticides. With climate change and increasing temperatures the need is greater. Lambda-cyhalothrin is an insecticide currently registered and used in Kenya for control of several insect and mite pests in diverse crops. This study established residue levels for lambda-cyhalothrin in fresh tea leaves, black tea and brewed tea. The study evaluated the effect of tea preparation procedures on pesticide residue levels in tea and monitored the decline of pesticide residues under normal harvest time intervals. The samples were collected at various intervals after application of the pesticide at maximum proposed application rate of 3.0 Lha−1 (i.e. worst- case conditions allowable) according to instructions on the label. The study was carried out at Timbilil estate of Tea Research Foundation of Kenya in Kericho. Extraction of lambda-cyhalothrin from Karate treated samples was accomplished using 50% acetone in hexane. Analysis of the samples was done by Gas Chromatography (GC). The pesticide residue concentrations in the tea samples were calculated using the power curve fit; y = bxm. Results show that the levels of the pesticide residues decrease with increase in the pre-harvest interval days. The processing and brewing of tea appear to affect the residues of lambda-cyhalothrin most significantly. The residue levels from the study were lower than the maximum residue levels (MRLs) allowed within the European Union. Therefore, if this pesticide is used according to the established pattern it will pose no risk to the consumers of tea. Key Words: Residue levels, lambda-cyhalothrin, PHI, MRLs Tea, Kenya