Detection of insect infestation and insecticides residues in pulses seeds from different governorates in Egypt

Abstract

Insect infestation was detected in samples of broad beans, cowpeas and chickpeas, obtained from local markets of six governorates in Egypt (Giza, Cairo, Behaira, Qalubia, Ismailia and Menya). Two insect species have been detected, they were the cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus and Chinese bruchid, C. chinensis. The highest insect infestation was occurred in cowpea seeds obtained from Qalubia governorate followed by chickpea from Cairo governorate, while, the lowest infestation was recorded in the broad bean from Cairo and Chickpeas from Menya. No infestation was recorded in Giza samples. Also, insecticide residues were analyzed in all the pulses samples by using the quechers method for pesticides analysis. Results showed that faba beans, cowpea and chickpea samples were found either clear of all organochlorine and carbamates insecticides or they were below the level of quantification (LOQ). Organophosphorus pesticides tested have been detected and represented in chloropyrifos, while neonicotinoids were involved and represented in acetamiprid. However, the levels of the two insecticides were below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) established by the Egyptian Organization for standardization and Quality (EOS).