Crop Samples Research Articles

Effect of farmyard manure and conjoint application of farmyard manure and microbial consortium on lindane residues in soil, drainage water, and crops in lysimeters

The efficacies of farmyard manure (FYM) application alone and the conjoint use of FYM and microbial consortiums (Gordonia sp.) were evaluated for reducing lindane residues in soil, plants and percolated water in lysimeters cropped with maize and rice. At the normal application rate of lindane (0.6 kg ha−1), the concentration of lindane residues in drainage water was well above the United States EPA limit for drinking water (0.2 µg L−1); however, no detectable residues of lindane were observed in plant samples of both maize and rice crops. The residue level of lindane in the percolated water under rice was higher than under maize crop. Application of FYM at 5 t ha−1 decreased the pesticide residues both in percolated water and soil. The conjoint use of FYM at 5 t ha−1 and scheduled application of a microbial consortium of Gordonia sp. soon after the pest control was more effective than the application of FYM alone in reducing the level of lindane residues in soil and percolated water.

Les fusarioses dans la région de Sfax (Tunisie)

Crop samples corresponding to different varieties of three leguminous seeds (Cicer arietinum L., Phaseolus vulgaris L. and Lens culinaris L.) were analysed to determine and compare nutritional and other (colour) properties. The hundred kernel weight (HKW) values were approximately 39.2, 39.5 and 29 g for chickpea, beans and lentils, respectively. The varieties that showed high HKW were Flip 84–15c, Pinto and LB Met for the 2001 harvest. Water cooking tests allowed us to distinguish between the crop samples. Significant varietal differences were detected in the biochemical components for some cases. The analyses showed almost similar proportions of proteins among the varieties as well as for chickpeas or beans (24.85–30.67%). However, inter-species variations for this major component were visible. The starch contents of the two chickpea varieties were slightly higher compared with the two lentil varieties, and much higher when compared to the bean varieties. The cellulose contents are lower when chickpeas are compared to lentils. The lowest values of ash were measured in the chickpea samples (2.56–3.35%), for which the times of cooking were longer. A highly negative correlation was detected between the times of water cooking and the cellulose levels (r2=−0.9). The highest averages of total lipids recorded were those of the chickpea crop samples (4.26–6.49%). In contrast, the oleic/linoleic ratios calculated after gas chromatography separations were high in the case of lentils.

Distribution characteristics of Zn,Pb,Cd,Cu in soil and crops around Xinzhuangzi Coal Mine waste rock pile

Samples of soils and crops were collected around Xinzhungzi Coal Mine waste rock pile by the intercept method.The concentrations of Zn,Pb,Cd,Cu in the soils and crops were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer(ICP-OES).The results showed that the soil is alkaline,and the max concentrations of Zn,Pb in the soils are 43.08 mg·kg-1 and 15.61 mg·kg-1 at the depth of 20~40 cm,which are below the background values of Huainan soil.The concentrations of Cd and Cu in the soil with the depths of 0~20 cm and 20~40 cm,respectively,are the highest and 106.76% and 0.46% higher than the background value of Huainan soil.The concentrations of Zn,Pb,Cd,Cu are incorrelate with the depth of soil.The Zn and Pb in the top soil(0~20 cm) reach their peak values at a distance away from the coal mine spoil,which may be caused by the grain from the burst of coal mine spoil transported by the wind.The stepwise regression analysis indicated that total P affects the concentrations of Zn and Pb in soil,and organic matter affects the concentrations of Pb and Cu in soil.Cd accumulates in the roots of soybean and rice,while Zn transports into the aerial parts of the two plants.The enrichments of Zn in the aerial parts of soybean and rice are much higher.The order of Zn,Pb,Cd,Cu enrichments in the leaf,hull and seed of soybean and rice is ZnCuCdPb.The max value of Pb in the grain of rice is 0.52 mg·kg-1(dry weight),1.3 times higher than the national food hygiene standard.The risk from the Pb in the seed of rice should not be overlooked.

Wastewater Reuse for Irrigation in Morocco: Helminth Eggs Contaminationʹs Level of Irrigated Crops and Sanitary Risk (A Case Study of Settat and Soualem Regions)

The present study aimed to evaluate potential risk that humans and animals are exposed, when wastewaters (raw and treated) are reused for irrigation. Helminth eggs were researched in (n=120) wastewater samples (untreated: 60 and treated: 60); collected from two Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) located at Settat and Soualem in Morocco, (n=69) crops samples (mint, coriander, alfalfa and cereals) collected from farmland, alongside around the WWTPs that have been irrigated by the treated wastewater and other crops (coriander, parsley and radish) issued from field trials. Samples were examined by a concentration method. The analysis of vegetable samples has revealed that 50% (35/69) of crops from farmland were contaminated by helminth eggs, with an average concentration of 8.4 eggs/100 g. In the experimental study, we have found helminth eggs’s mean concentration of 35.62 eggs/100 g, 9.14 eggs/100 g and 0 eggs/100 g in crops irrigated by raw wastewater, treated wastewater and fresh water, respectively. Among helminth eggs detected in vegetables, we noted Taenia sp, Ascaris sp, Toxocara sp and Strongyle eggs. In regard to results of this study, irrigation with wastewater conduct to parasitological contamination of irrigated crops, several actions may be made in order to reduce sanitary risk associated to this practice.

Pesticide residues in crop samples collected in compliance with a Community control programme (2010)Pozostałości środków ochrony roślin w próbkach płodów rolnych pobieranych w roku 2010 zgodnie ze wspólnotowym programem kontroli

Summary A total of 203 samples of fresh fruit, vegetables and arable crops of Polish origin were analysed in 2010 at the Department of Pesticide Residue Research of the Institute of Plant Protection – National Research Institute. The monitoring programme covered 9 commodities and 204 pesticides including some isomers and breakdown products. Residues of 35 pesticides, mainly fungicides (24), were detected in 29.6% of the samples analysed. Percentage of the samples without pesticide residues was equal to 70.4%. Violations of MRLs were found in 1.5% of the samples. The usage of unauthorized pesticides was stated in 4.4% of the samples analysed. In all cases notifications were sent within the framework of RASFF (Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed). Residues were detected in 58.1% of fruit samples and 57.7% of greenhouse vegetable samples. Especially in samples of apples (63.3%) and in 62.5% samples of grapes. The samples of other products were less contaminated. Residues of carbendazim were detected most often, in 6.9% of the samples.

Effects of Food Diet Preparation Techniques on Radionuclide Intake and Its Implications for Individual Ingestion Effective Dose in Abeokuta, Southwestern Nigeria

The radioactivity measurements in food crops and their diet derivatives and farm soil samples from Abeokuta, one of the elevated background radiation areas in Nigeria have been carried out in order to determine the concentration levels of natural radionuclides (40K, 226Ra and 232Th). The activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides in the samples were determined via gamma-ray spectrometry using a 76 mm × 76 mm NaI(Tl) detector. Different common food crops representing the major sources of dietary requirements to the local population were collected for the measurements. The collected food crops were prepared into their different derivable composite diets using preparation techniques locale to the population. Using available food consumption data and the activity concentrations of the radionuclides, the ingestion effective doses were evaluated for the food crops and diet types per preparation techniques. For the tuberous food crop samples, the annual ingestion effective doses in the raw and different composite diets were 0.02 - 0.04 μSv and cumulatively 0.04 - 0.05 μSv while in the non-tuberous crops the doses were 0.44 - 0.70 μSv and cumulatively greater than 1 μSv respectively. Results of the study indicate that method of diet preparation is seen to play a major role in population ingestion dose reduction especially for tuberous crops than in non-tuberous crops. The study also showed that more ingestion dose could be incurred in diets prepared by roasting techniques. The result of the study will serve as a useful radiometric data for future epidemiological studies in the area and for food safety regulations and policy implementations in the country.

Pesticide residues in crops produced in north‐western PolandPozostałości środków ochrony roślin w płodach rolnych wyprodukowanych w północno‐zachodniej Polsce

Summary In 2011, 262 crop samples, originating from farms located in five voivodeships of north‐western Poland, were tested for the presence of pesticide residues. Studies were conducting in framework of official control and included 23 products and 230 compounds. Several multi‐residue methods based on gas chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography (GC‐ECD/NPD, GC‐MS/MS, HPLC‐UV/PDA, LC‐MS/MS) and one single‐residue method based on spectrophotometric analysis were used for determination of pesticide residues. Totally, 26 compounds were detected in 29.0% of analysed samples. Exceedances of maximum residue levels (MRLs) were found in 0.4% of analysed samples, while the use of unapproved plant protection products in 4.2% of the samples. Pesticide residues were found mostly in samples of apples (84.6%), carrots (56.0%) and potatoes (50.0%). The frequency of their occurrence in the samples taken from individual voivodeships has differed from the average for the entire study area and ranged from 15.9–39.6%, and was the highest in food products from Kujawsko‐pomorskie Voivodeship, while the lowest from Wielkopolskie Voivodeship.

Energy Values and Technologies for Non woody Biomass: as a clean source of Energy

Energy is the basic requirement for a developing country like India. Due to continuous development the energy demand is increasing more tremendously than the increase in population. To meet this energy demand the fossil fuels reserves are continuously depleting. The fossil fuels like coal, petroleum, gas etc. are used for power generation. Any other solution for power generation is required to save reserves and environment. The renewable energy sources are the best solution for this problem. This paper reveals the main renewable energy for power generation and its availability in different states of Punjab. We discuss the various technologies that can be used to use dry or wet biomass for power generation. In view of high energy potential in agricultural potential, proximate analysis, gross calorific value and ultimate analysis is done for different crop samples collected from Punjab state.

Utilization of DNA microarrays for detection and identification of selected Fusarium species from the Czech Republic

Fusarium is a serious phytopathogenic fungal genus with producting of many kinds of highly toxic secondary metabolites – mycotoxins. The consumption of Fusarium contaminated food and feed can cause dangerous mycotoxicoses both in humans and animals, therefore the detection of a wider range of Fusarium species in the samples of crops is very important. The aim of our work was to test the reliability of detection and identification of three Fusarium species in infected wheat grains by DNA microarrays versus classical mycological methods and by specific PCR. The in-house DNA microarrays for the detection and identification of the selected Fusarium species by using oligonucleotides probes were prepared. For hybridisation on DNA microarrays fluorescent labelled PCR products were used of part of the translation elongation factor 1 alpha. The conditions of hybridisation were optimised on fungal template DNA. The method of DNA microarrays was verified on artificially infected samples of wheat and tested on unknown infected wheat samples with simultaneous analysis by classical mycological methods and by specific PCR.

Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Etofenprox Residues in Foods with Mass-Spectrometric Confirmation

BACKGROUND: An official analytical method was developed to determine etofenprox residues in agricultural commodities using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). METHODS AND RESULTS: The etofenprox residue was extracted with acetone from representative samples of five raw products which comprised rice grain, apple, mandarin, cabbage, and soybean. The extract was then serially purified by liquid-liquid partition and Florisil column chromatography. For rice and soybean samples, acetonitrile/n-hexane partition was additionally coupled to remove nonpolar lipids. Reversed phase HPLC using an octadecylsilyl column was successfully applied to separate etofenprox from co-extractives. Intact etofenprox was sensitively detected by ultraviolet absorption at 225 nm. Recovery experiment at the quantitation limit validated that the proposed method could apparently determine the etofenprox residue at 0.02 mg/kg. Mean recoveries from five crop samples fortified at three levels in triplicate were in the range of 93.6∼106.4%. Relative standard deviations of the analytical method were all less than 10%, irrespective of crop types. A selected-ion monitoring LC/mass spectrometry with positive atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization was also provided to confirm the suspected residue.

Impact of sewage contaminated water on soil, vegetables, and underground water of peri-urban Peshawar, Pakistan

The use of sewage-contaminated municipal water for irrigation of crops is an old practice in many big cities of Pakistan. Since the wastewater is rich in nutrients, it increases crops yield substantially but at the cost of food quality. The objective of this study was to investigate sewage water irrigation as a source of accumulation of heavy metals in soil and its subsequent transfer to crops and underground water. Sewage water, soil, groundwater, and crop samples were collected from selected areas around Peshawar city and analyzed for heavy metals concentration by atomic absorption spectroscopic method. Analysis of data revealed a considerable impact of the irrigation practices in the peri-urban Peshawar. Statistical analysis of the data showed a positive correlation between heavy metals concentration and soil carbon contents on the one hand and cation exchange capacity on the other. A strongly negative correlation was observed between metal contents and soil pH. The vertical movement of heavy metals from contaminated soil has polluted crops and underground water. The results indicated higher concentration of toxic metals in soil accumulated due to long-term sewage-contaminated water irrigation and their subsequent transfer to our food chain. The practice, if continued un-noticed may pose a threat of phytotoxicity to the local population.

Soil labile carbon and nitrogen pools and microbial metabolic diversity under winter crops in an arid environment

The conservation farming systems coupled with stubble retention are now widely adopted in southern Australia to improve soil fertility. However, little information is available about the effects of winter crops on soil labile organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) pools, especially in an arid agricultural ecosystem. In this study, eight winter cover crop treatments were used to investigate their effects on soil labile organic C and N pools and microbial metabolic profiles and diversity in temperate Australia. These treatments included two legume crops (capello woolly pod vetch and field pea), four non-legume crops (rye, wheat, Saia oat and Indian mustard), and a mixture of rye and capello woolly pod vetch as well as a nil-crop control. At the crop flowering stage, soil and crop samples were collected from the field and we examined aboveground crop biomass, soil NH4+-N, NO3−-N, extractable organic C (EOC) and N (EON) concentrations using methods of 2M KCl and hot water, microbial biomass, biologically active organic C (CBio), and substrate-induced respiration (SIR) using the MicroResp method. Results showed that the crop treatments had lower soil moisture content, NO3−-N and the ratios of EOC to EON, but higher pH, NH4+-N, EOC, EON, CBio, microbial metabolic diversity index (H) and evenness index compared with the control. There were no significant differences in microbial biomass C and N among the treatments. Although no pronounced differences in EOC and EON concentrations were found between the legumes and non-legumes, the legume treatments had lower SIR and higher H than the non-legume treatments. Principal component analysis showed that soil microbial metabolic profiles under the crops were different from those of the control, and the crop treatments had a clear separation along principal component 2. In addition, redundancy analysis showed that soil pH and moisture content were the most important influencing factors, along with EON and crop biomass, determining the patterns of microbial metabolic profiles under the crops.

Impact of fungicides and other preparations for seed treatment and different cultivation techniques on seed contamination of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori et Paol.)

Contamination of cereal crops and their products could be a result of inappropriate cultivation techniques as well as disregarding usual agro-technical measures like the seed treatment with fungicides. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of pre-sowing seed treatment on wheat seed infection and contamination of produced grains from the field trial at the Biotechnical faculty (BF) and contamination of crop samples from Slovene farms with conventional and organic type of production. In our laboratory we performed grain incubation on agar with various disinfectants before sowing the grain on the field. We found that seed treatment with fungicides Maxim 050 FS and Vitavax 200-FF had significantly improved the health status (2% infected grains) compared to untreated processed seed (25% infected grains). The effectiveness of both tested fungicides was significantly better (2% infected grains) compared to the Agrostemin and Fitolife preparations, which are allowed in organic farming (15% infected grains). Compared to the untreated seed, treating the seeds with both fungicides and the Agrostemin preparation reduced visible ear contamination with fusariosis during the time of dough maturity. With incubation of grain from our field experiment with different seed treatments, the positive effect of fungicides on the health status of grain yield was confirmed (27% infected grains), compared to sowing of seed that was not treated with disinfectants (34% infected grains). When compared to the control group a positive effect of wheat seed treatment with disinfectants used in organic farming was determined. Furthermore, seed treatment with fungicides had a greater influence on improving the health status of produced grain, compared to the above mentioned preparations allowed in organic farming (29% infected grains). The effect of seed treatment on the health status of the grain was the greatest when using the Vitavax 200-FF fungicide. The percentage of infected grains in laboratory incubation of produced wheat grain on agar, sampled from eight Slovenian farms, ranged from 1.5 to 19.5%. Contamination of sampled grain from organic production (7% infected grains) was comparable with infection of grain from the conventional farming (8.4% infected grains), where the infection ranged from 1.5% to 19.5%.

Determination of nonylphenol ethoxylate metabolites in vegetables and crops by high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

A method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of the concentration of nonylphenol (4-NP), nonylphenol monoethoxylates (NP1EO) and nonylphenol diethoxylates (NP2EO) in vegetables and crops by liquid chromatography–tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS). These target compounds were extracted from vegetable and crop samples with acetonitrile, and then the extracts were cleaned using solid phase extraction with graphitised carbon black tandem primary secondary amine (PSA) cartridges. The MS method enabled highly reliable identification by monitoring the corresponding ammonium adduct [M+NH4]+ in the positive mode for NP1EO and NP2EO, and the deprotonated molecule [M−H]− in the negative mode for 4-NP. Recoveries for the spiked samples ranged from 65% to 118%. The limit of detection (LOD) of 4-NP, NP1EO and NP2EO was 3, 5 and 0.1μgkg−1, respectively. This method would be useful for the quick and routine detection of the residues of 4-NP, NP1EO and NP2EO in vegetables and crops.

Performance and Matrix Effect Observed in QuEChERS Extraction and Tandem Mass Spectrometry Analyses of Pesticide Residues in Different Target Crops

The method performance and matrix effect related to quantitative determination of pesticide residues was assessed after QuEChERS extraction and LC-MS-MS analysis. Dicloran, phosmet and phosmet-oxon, pirimiphos-methyl, and BNOA were analyzed in peach, apple, melon, cereals, tomato, and strawberry. The matrix effects, as well as recovery and process efficiencies, were determined for a fungicide, two insecticides, and a plant growth regulator. Crop samples were spiked either pre- or post-extraction, then the peak area was compared with the peak area in neat solvent. The mean recovery ranged from 73% to 98%, and repeatability (as RSD) was between 3% and 16%, depending on the compound and spiking level. The matrix effect occurred as ionic suppression and was found in the range of 5% to 22% depending on the compound. Recovery efficiencies were good and substantially comparable, being in the range of 93-96%. Although the suppression observed still appears to be acceptable considering the overall process efficiency, it seems evident that the matrix effect is important when a reliable quantitative method must be applied.

Iodine transfer from agricultural soils to edible part of crops

Abstract Information about the distribution and cycling of stable iodine (I) in the environment is useful for dose estimation from its long-lived radioiodisotpe, 129I, which is one of the most critical radionuclides to be managed for the safe disposal of nuclear fuel waste. The soil-to-plant transfer factor (TF) is an important parameter to predict internal radiation exposure pathways through the food chains using mathematical models. Therefore, we have measured stable I and bromine (Br) for comparison, in 142 crop samples and associated agricultural field soil samples collected throughout Japan. The crops were classified into eight groups, i.e. leafy vegetables, white part of leeks, fruit vegetables, tubers, root crops, legumes, wheat and barley (WB), and rice. The results showed that Br and I concentrations were higher in upland field soil samples than in paddy field soil samples. However, when we compared TF values of WB and brown rice, no statistical difference was observed. The highest geometric mean of TF for I, 1.4 × 102, was obtained for leafy vegetables and fruit vegetables and that for Br, 1.5, was for fruit vegetables. TF for I was much lower than Br, as reported previously, maybe due to their different chemcial forms in soil and uptake behaviors by plant roots.

Assessment of the toxicity level of an industrial eco-system for its hazardous metals

Pakistan is an agricultural country, yet it is facing a serious threat due to the shortage of water resources and degradation of the agricultural land by the pollution of industrial effluents. A limited number of the current industries are equipped with proper operating treatment plants. Generally, the untreated effluents are disposed off to the open environment which is used for irrigation purposes. Therefore, vegetables and crops grown around the industrial areas is a major potential source of metal poisoning which pose a serious risk to the general public. Hence, study of the toxicity level in vegetables and crops is highly desirable. In this regard, systematic studies have been carried out to determine concentration levels of toxic elements in the samples of vegetables, crops, effluents and soil collected from the industrial areas of the Faisalabad. After processing, these samples were analyzed using neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometric techniques. The highest concentrations of toxic metals were observed for As (2.73 ± 0.34) in cabbage, Cd (1.5 ± 0.1), Ni (5.1 ± 0.9) and Pb (4.3 ± 0.2) in corn, Co (0.65 ± 0.02), and Sb (0.09 ± 0.01) in carrot, Cr (9.63 ± 1.3), Mn (46.5 ± 4.2) and Se (1.03 ± 0.1) in millet, Cu (11.3 ± 1.1) in tomato vegetables and crop samples. Although, the observed toxicity levels in vegetables and crop samples were higher than those grown in non-industrial areas, yet these toxicity levels are within the safe recommended limits.

Rapid determination of melamine in soil and strawberry by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

A fast and sensitive method to determine melamine in soil, strawberry fruit and plant materials using dispersive solid phase extraction (DSPE), and liquid chromatography–electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) was developed. Validation parameters, including method precision, accuracy, and matrix effect were evaluated. The extraction solvent composition, clean-up adsorbents, and LC-ESI-MS/MS conditions were optimized such that this methodology can be adopted to monitor melamine residue concentration in both environmental, crop and food samples. This method exhibits good linear range from 5 to 500 μg/L (γ > 0.999) with an overall precision between 4 and 7%, 7–10% and 4–8% for soil, strawberry and plant materials, respectively. The mean method recovery varied from 92 to 96% for soil, 87–89% for strawberry, and 76–104% for strawberry plant materials. The limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) for these matrices ranged from 0.2 to 1.3 μg/kg and 0.8–4.4 μg/kg, respectively. The applicability of this melamine residue analytical method was successfully demonstrated using field samples collected from an outdoor field trial.

Accumulation, transfer, and environmental risk of soil mercury in a rapidly industrializing region of the Yangtze River Delta, China

Mercury (Hg) accumulation and transfer in soil ecosystems has been altered on local, regional, and even global scales, and their environmental risk has increasingly been a concern to the public and the scientific community. A county level region in Zhangjiagang County, the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region of China and a factory with Hg-contaminated wastewater discharging within the region were selected to study the accumulation, bioavailability, and transfer of Hg from different sources in soils and crops under rapid industrialization, urbanization, and intensive agricultural activities. Regional soil samples close to and away from factories and local soil and crop samples around a typical factory were collected in the YRD region of China. Soil and crop Hg and basic soil properties were examined. Significant soil Hg accumulation was found in soils away from factories regardless of Cambosols (Entisols) and Anthrosols (Inceptisols), while the mobile HCl-extractable Hg (HCl-Hg) were greater in soils closer to factories due to a decrease and increase in soil pH and organic matter. A high level of soil total Hg (T-Hg) was found around the factory, and soil and crop Hg accumulation in the vicinity of the factory was localized with an exponential decrease as distance away from the wastewater discharge outlet increased. Although Hg accumulated in these soils, the T-Hg levels at only a few sampling sites in acidic Anthrosols area were found to exceed the second most stringent critical value of Chinese Environmental Quality Standards for Soils. Considering the cessation of Hg-containing agrochemicals and limitation of effects of industrial activities on Hg accumulation, more attention should be paid to the changes in soil properties and crop rotations than controlling the pathways of Hg entering soils because the current environmental risk is mobilization of accumulated soil Hg.

Validation of a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for the detection ofSalmonella in crops of broiler chickens

Salmonella is one of the frequent causes of bacterial foodborne diseases with major public health impact in industrialized countries. Food-producing animals, in particular poultry, are major sources of human salmonellosis. Salmonella is normally found in the gastrointestinal tract of animals and can contaminate the carcass during the slaughtering process. In poultry, crops are also colonized by this pathogen. Crops are more likely to get ruptured during evisceration and contaminate the carcass and therefore present a health risk to consumers. Reducing Salmonella colonization in crops could decrease carcass contamination and is considered a potential preharvest critical control point in poultry production. Furthermore, rapid and reliable diagnostic methods to detect Salmonella are needed to monitor crop colonization to help ensure food safety. However, detection of Salmonella by bacteriological methods is time consuming and labor intensive and is not suitable for routine screening of a large number of samples. Therefore, this study was undertaken to validate a real-time PCR (RPCR) assay for the detection of Salmonella spp. in crop samples of broiler chickens. In total, 997 crop samples (35 spiked, 962 field) were processed by both RPCR and culture. The RPCR correctly identified all spiked crop samples. Out of 962 field crop samples, 100 tested positive by RPCR and 88 tested positive by culture for Salmonella, giving a sample level prevalence of 10.4 % (95% CI: 8.54 to 12.50%) and 9.1% (95% CI: 7.40 to 11.15%), respectively. The agreement beyond chance between RPCR and culture was 92% (P < 0.001) and 100% (P < 0.001) for field and spiked samples, respectively. Compared with culture, the sensitivity and specificity of RPCR were 98.86 and 98.51% for field samples and 100 and 100% for spiked samples, respectively. Where bacterial speciation is required, only the positive samples would be cultured. Therefore, RPCR can be used as a good screening tool for Salmonella spp. in crops by eliminating the time-consuming and labor-intensive culture of negative samples.