Pesticide residues, especially in vegetables and fruits, are a reason for concern with respect to the health of consumers and workers that need to return to areas that have been treated with these agrochemicals. The objectives of this experiment were to (a) study the behavior of deltamethrin residues from different formulations on cucumber fruits; and (b) correlate insecticide contents in the fruits with pickleworm control. Treatments were as follows: (a) control; (b) three 30 mL applications of deltamethrin 25 EC 100 L-1 water (emulsifiable concentrate formulation); (c) three 7.5 mL applications of deltamethrin 100 EC 100 L-1 water (emulsifiable concentrate); and (d) three 3.75 mL applications of deltamethrin 200 CS 100 L-1 water (concentrate suspension). Samples were taken at (-1), zero, 1; 3; 5; 7, and 14 days after the last application. Residues were determined by the gas chromatography technique, using an electron capture detector. In order to evaluate insecticide effectiveness, six infestation surveys were conducted during the same sampling times. Although at low levels, the deltamethrin residues in the fruits were above the maximum residue level (MRL = 0.03 mg kg-1), even one day after the end of the safety interval (2 days), and were higher for the CS formulation. The insecticide was effective to control the pest during the entire evaluation period.
Cucumis sativus; Diaphania nitidalis; pesticide residues
