APEDA restricts use of three pesticides in grapes

Agricultural and Processed Foods Product Export Development Authority (APEDA) has restricted use of three pesticides such as Profenophos, Abamectin and Flusilazole in grapes.

According to S. Dave, Director, APEDA, it has been brought to our notice that three pesticides namely Profenophos, Abamectin and Flusilazole have got detected in some grape samples. All laboratories, farmers, exporters are advised to be extremely careful while testing pesticides, particularly these three pesticides.

Further, last week, it was reported by an exporter that the samples of grapes produced by their farmers were regularly showing presence Profenophos and its metabolite, 4-bromo-2-chlorophenol beyond the MRL value. The farmers have categorically stated that they have not sprayed Profenophos in the vineyards. However, they were informed that the farmers had used a biopesticide called 'Bio-Prahaar' being commercially produced by M/s Nirmal Seeds Pvt. Ltd. When the samples of Bio-Prahaar bio pesticide were tested, they reported the presence of Profenophos, Dave added.

The National Referral Laboratory (NRC-Grapes, Pune), was requested to purchase samples of different batches of Bio-Prahaar and check for its presence. It is reported that one sample contained Profenophos and the other sample contained both Propenophos and Abamectin. According to the NRL, Profenophos is not recommended for use in grapes. In the light of the above all exporters and farmers are advised to take necessary precaution in the use of this bio-pesticide. APEDA has requested the state governments to take note of this, it is learnt.

It is also learnt that Profenophos and its metabolite, 4-bromo-2-chlorophenol are tested on GC-MSMS. All laboratories recognised by APEDA and NRL for grape testing have the requisite equipment and are equally capable of testing these compounds. It is recommended that while testing the grape samples for pesticide residues, the laboratories should be extra careful with regard to testing of Profenophos and its metabolite, 4-bromo-2-chlorophenol as well as Abamectin and Flusilazole