Comparison of Pesticide Residue Levels in Tomatoes from Open Fields, Greenhouses, Markets and Consumers in Kirinyaga County, Kenya
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Date
2022
Authors
Momanyi, Nakhungu Violet
Keraka, Nyanjoka Margaret
Atieno, Abong’o Deborah
Warutere, Njogu Peterson
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Research Gate
Abstract
The study was carried out to determine and compare pesticide residue levels in tomatoes from
Mwea Irrigation Scheme. Thirty five tomato samples of Rambo variety randomly collected from
open fields, greenhouses, markets and consumers were analyzed using QuEChERS method.
Results showed that pesticide residue leve;s from greenhouse tomatoes was higher compared to
open fields, markets and consumers. Alpha-cypermethrin level in greenhouse tomatoes
(0.0871±0.0087mg/kg) was significantly (p<0.01) higher than from consumers
(0.0218±0.0061mg/kg) while difenoconazole from greenhouse tomatoes (0.2597±0.0522 mg/kg)
was significantly (p<0.05) higher than from the open field (0.0295±0.0014 mg/kg). Carbendazim
level in greenhouse (1.2341±0.1667 mg/kg) tomatoes was significantly (p<0.001) higher than from
open fields (0.0596±0.0178 mg/kg), markets (0.1160±0.0490 mg/kg) and consumers (0.0494±0.0155 mg/kg). Imidacloprid in greenhouse tomatoes (0.1446±0.0086 mg/kg) was
significantly (p<0.001) higher than from the markets (0.0236±0.0019 mg/kg) and consumers
(0.0170±0.0017 mg/kg). High pesticide residue levels in tomatoes are a health concern for
consumers. Enforcing the food safety laws, enhancing farmer training on safe use of pesticides and
creating awareness on pesticide risks would promote production of uncontaminated crops
consumed locally.
Description
Article
Keywords
Tomato, pesticide, residue level, open field, greenhouse, market, consumer
Citation
Violet, M. N., Margaret, K. N., Deborah, A. O. A., & Peterson, W. (2022). Comparison of Pesticide Residue Levels in Tomatoes from Open Fields, Greenhouses, Markets and Consumers in Kirinyaga County, Kenya. European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety, 14(6), 1-10.