Assessment of pesticide residues level in watermelon fruits [Citrullus lanatus (Thunberg) Matsumura and Nakai] in Lower, Central and Upper Badibou Districts in North Bank Region, of the Gambia

Fatou A Jassey,F.E Babatunde,F.D Manneh

doi:10.36253/ahsc-9899

Abstract

Field and laboratory studies were conducted late 2019 in three districts of the Gambia’s North Bank Region; namely, Central Badibou, Lower Badibou and Upper Badibou to ascertain the pesticide residue level in watermelon fruit, determine the insect pest control methods, types of pesticide, frequency of application, and pre-harvest interval observed. Multistage sampling technique was used in selecting the research respondents. Eighty-five (85) farmers were identified; forty-five (45) were randomly selected as research respondents. Data was collected using structured questionnaires. SPSS Software was used to analyse the questionnaires and Gas Chromatograph to determine the pesticide residue level. Data obtained were analysed and compared with the European Union Maximum Residue Limit (MRL). The results of the analysis revealed that the farmers used chemical control method in watermelon production, and applied at frequency of once in every two weeks. Furthermore, the results indicated that the chemical applied at flowering stage and the pre-harvest interval (17-21 days) ranked the highest. The pesticides residues found in the watermelon samples were Dimethoate, Profenophos, Dicofol, Cypermethrin, Lambda-cyhalothrin, Permethrin and Deltamethrin and most were above the MRL. The presence of pesticides residues in the watermelon samples calls for strict regulation on the use of pesticides on watermelon. Further study is recommended in other fruits and vegetables grown in the country especially in the studied region.

Highlights

The developing countries are seriously affected by the skyrocketing of unemployment rates
This finding is similar with Adeoye et al (2011) who indicated the domi nance of male fork in watermelon production in Nigeria
It was found out that some old age had to reduce their farm size due to the tediousness of the work. This is in agreement with (Adeoye et al, 2011) who stated that age is crucial to carrying out activities such as mounting knapsack sprayer at the back, which most of the farmers used in the study area

Summary

Introduction

The developing countries are seriously affected by the skyrocketing of unemployment rates. The production of watermelon by Gambian Farmers has featured prominently irrespective of the uncountable number of challenges faced by farmers amongst other hosts of issues that militate against this lucrative enterprise (Department of Planning Agriculture, 2016). Plants, and plant based compounds are the basis of modern pharma ceuticals used for the treatment of various dreadful diseases (Reetu and Tomar, 2017). Fruits such as mango, organs, guava, pear, and watermelon are life enhancing medicines packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to human as well as cash crops for export by the growers in The Gambia. Watermelon does have the potential of enhancing the health of consumers and increases the income of farmers (Adeoye et al, 2011)

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Conclusion