Residues and dissipation dynamics of molluscicide metaldehyde in cabbage and soil

The dissipation of metaldehyde on cabbage and in soil was studied and half-life (DT50) was estimated in a field study carried out at three different locations. Metaldehyde was sprayed on cabbage at 937.5 and 1406.25 g a.i.ha−1 for residue study and 1875 g a.i.ha−1 for dissipation study in cabbage and soil. Samples of cabbage and soil for dissipation experiment were collected at 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 14 and 21 days after treatment. For residue studies, cabbage and soil samples were sampled at 5, 7 and 10 days after treatment. Quantification of residues was done by LC–MS/MS. The DT50 of metaldehyde in cabbage and soil were 0.48–1.61 days and 0.75–1.02 days, respectively, when applied at 2 times of the recommended high dosage. Residues of metaldehyde in cabbage were all below the maximum residue levels of 1.0 mg kg−1 at both recommended high dosage and 1.5 times the recommended high dosage.