Dissipation of pyraclostrobin and its metabolite BF-500-3 in maize under field conditions

The dissipation and residue of pyraclostrobin and its metabolite BF-500-3 in maize under field conditions were investigated. A sensitive, simple and fast method for simultaneous determination of pyraclostrobin and BF-500-3 in maize matrix was established by high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The average recoveries of pyraclostrobin and BF-500-3 were found in the range of 83.6–104.9% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 2.3–10.0%. The results showed that pyraclostrobin dissipated quickly in maize plant with half-lives of 1.6–1.7 days. Its metabolite BF-500-3 showed a tendency of rapid increasing initially and decreasing afterwards. At harvest time, the terminal residues of pyraclostrobin were below the maximum residue limit (MRL) set by USA and Canada in maize grain when measured 7 days after the final application, which suggested that the use of this fungicide was safe for humans. The results could provide guidance to safe and reasonable use of pyraclostrobin in agriculture.

► The first report on dissipation of pyraclostrobin and BF-500-3 study in maize.
► A method for simultaneous analysis of pyraclostrobin and BF-500-3 was established.
► The parent pyraclostrobin dissipated rapidly in maize plant.
► The metabolite BF-500-3 increased firstly and then decreased continuously.
► The terminal residues were lower than the MRLs set by USA and Canada.