Dissipation and residue behavior of emamectin benzoate on apple and cabbage field application

A LC-ESI-MS/MS method with QuEChERS for analysis of emamectin benzoate in cabbage, apple and soil was established. At fortification levels of 0.001, 0.01 and 0.1 mg/kg in cabbage, apple and soil, it was shown that recoveries ranged from 75.9 to 97.0 percent with relative standard deviation (RSD) of 4.4–19.0 percent. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.001 mg/kg for cabbage, apple and soil. The dissipation half-lives of emamectin benzoate in cabbage, apple and soil were 1.34–1.72 day, 2.75–3.09 day and 1.89–4.89 day, respectively. The final residues of emamectin benzoate ranged from 0.001 to 0.052 mg/kg in cabbages, 0.003 to 0.090 mg/kg in apples and 0.001 to 0.089 mg/kg in soils, respectively. Therefore, it would be unlikely to cause health problems if emamectin benzoate was applied according to the use pattern suggested by the manufactures on the label.

► We established a analytical method of emamectin benzoate in cabbage, apple and soil.
► Good recoveries and low quantification limits were achieve with QuEChERS.
► We evaluated its dissipation rate and residue level under field condition.
► Based on risk assessment results, MRL (0.1 mg/kg) for its in apple was recommended.