Effect of Neem on the Fate of Endosulfan Residue in Tomato

Abstract

A study was conducted on tomato plants grown under field conditions to assess the effect of neem on the fate of endosulfan residues. Endosulfan was applied at the recommended dose and doubles the recommended dose (E1 and E2). Neem in the form of neem oil based biopesticide was applied @ 0.4% as a supplemental dose along with the selected test doses of endosulfan (E1+N and E2+N). A profound increase of 218.94% in total residue as well as increase in the contribution of high persisting forms of endosulfan viz. ? endosulfan and endosulfan-sulphate was observed when applied pesticide concentration was increased from E1 to E2. However supplementation of neem along with E1 and E2 dose has resulted in 54.18% and 51.79% reduction in total residue respectively, besides reducing the high persisting forms of endosulfan viz. ? endosulfan and endosulfan-sulphate in higher percentages, thereby showing two way benefits.