LOS BAÑOS, Lagun—A new technology to detect pesticide residues on vegetables to monitor presence of organophosphates (OPs) and carbamates (CMs) is now adopted in the country in a bid to ensure consumption of safe and chemical-free vegetables.
In a report on Tuesday by the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) which funded the project, the Rapid Bioassay for Pesticide Residues (RBPR) is a highly sensitive rapid detection tool for OPs and CMs.
OPs and CMs are the most common pesticides used in vegetable production because of their cost-effectiveness and bioefficacy.
On the other hand, dichlorvos is an organophosphate widely used as an insecticide to control household pests, in public health, and protecting stored products from insects, while methomyl is a highly toxic carbamate insecticide.
However, according to the World Health Organization, the risk of human exposure is possible when residues of these pesticides are eaten.
The RBPR can be a tool for regulators or inspectors to check if organic farmer groups are in compliance with organic farm certification.
It can also be useful in regular residue analytical laboratories as it minimizes the number of samples that will be analyzed, resulting in lower cost and decreased use of organic solvents.
Originally developed by the Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute and adopted here, the RBPR technology can detect presence of the said pesticides to as low as 0.004 ppm for dichlorvos and 3.4 ppm for methomyl.
The scientific endeavor was implemented by the Benguet State University and the National Crop Protection Center of the University of the Philippines Los Baños.
The technology application covers the monitoring of vegetables from markets, outlets, trading posts and farmer’s fields in Benguet, Laguna, Quezon and Metro Manila.
According to the DOST-PCAARRD, the vegetables used for chopsuey and pinakbet are given priority due to the known intensity of pesticide application on these crops.
RBPR, along with other DOST-PCAARRD’s leading R&D initiatives in the agriculture, aquatic and natural resources sectors, will be featured during the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) from July 25 to 29, at the council’s complex here.
This year’s NSTW celebration adopts the theme “Juan Science, One Nation” and also marks the council’s fifth anniversary on July 28.