Surface dissipation and foliar penetration of acetamiprid on tea leaves in the presence or absence of adjuvants

Abstract

This study is to investigate the surface dissipation and foliar penetration of acetamiprid following application to live tea plants in the presence and absence of two adjuvants (Alligare 90® and Peptoil®). SERS mapping protocol with a self-assembled AuNP mirror as substrates was utilized for in situ and real time pesticide analysis. The surface dissipation analysis showed that acetamiprid with Alligare 90® had the lowest dissipation rate (34%) compared to acetamiprid alone (60%) or with Peptoil® (44%), indicating the addition of Alligare 90® was more effective in reducing the surface dissipation of acetamiprid than Peptoil®. The study also investigated the foliar penetration of acetamiprid into tea leaves with and without adjuvants using SERS and LC-MS/MS. The study concludes that the two adjuvants tested can enhance spreadability, surface stability, and foliar penetration of acetamiprid applied on tea leaves. The information will facilitate the development and application of efficient and safe pesticide formulations.