Degradation kinetics and safety evaluation of tetraconazole and difenoconazole residues in grape

BACKGROUND: Tetraconazole and difenoconazole are triazole fungicides with proven bioefficacy against grapevine powdery mildew disease. In the present work, the authors explored the residue dynamics of these two compounds in grapes and determined their preharvest intervals (PHIs) corresponding to multiple field applications at recommended and double rates considering the most critical use pattern in Indian viticulture. A confirmatory residue analysis method was validated for trace-level determination of both the compounds. RESULTS: Dissipation of both the fungicides followed non-linear two-compartment first + first-order rate kinetics. Tetraconazole and difenoconazole dissipated with PHIs of 12.5 and 25.5 days at recommended rates and of 28.5 and 38.5 days at double application rates respectively. On all the sampling days, the residues were below the maximum permissible intake, indicating consumer safety. The residues in the grape samples drawn from the farms where these two fungicides were applied, maintaining the above PHIs, were below their respective MRLs. CONCLUSION: The rate of degradation of tetraconazole was faster than that of difenoconazole. Thus, the growers will have the choice of using these new chemicals for the management of powdery mildews in succession, difenoconazole at early growth stages, followed by tetraconazole during the last month before harvest. The recommendations of PHIs proved to be effective in minimizing residues in farm grape samples. Thus, this work is of high significance to the grape industry of India, and will support the registration of these new fungicides for effective management of powdery mildews with minimum residue problems.