Abstract: | The persistence of cyproconazole and quinalphos on/in grapes was investigated when both compounds were applied to vines at the locally recommended application frequencies and rates and at double these rates, using commercially available formulations. Residues of cyproconazole applied at recommended and double the recommended rates of application in/on grapes immediately after the last application were 0-049 (±0.034) and 0.077 (±0.008) mg kg?1, respectively, reduced to 0.011 (±0.003) and 0.018 (±0.010) mg kg?1 respectively seven days after the last application. The corresponding residue levels of quinalphos immediately following the last application were 1.42 (±0.10) and 3.36 (±0.07) mg kg?1, reduced to 0.043 (±0.002) and 0.072 (±0.028) mg kg?1 respectively 21 days after the last application. Cyproconazole, being systemic, is rapidly absorbed by the grape tissues and its residues dissipate with a half-life of three to four days, while quinalphos, being non-systemic, dissipates faster with a half-life of two or three days. The residues of both pesticides were analysed by a GLC-NPD system. |