Determination of Residues of Pirimiphos-methyl and Some of Its Degradation Products in Dates

Abstract

Residues of pirimiphos-mcthyl (I) and some of its degradation products were determined in dates, following insecticide application on palm trees, by a gas chromatographic method. Residues of pirimiphos-methyl decreased sharply within 15 days after application, and then declined slowly all through the season. The hydroxy-pyrimidine compound (IV) was the only degradation product found in significant amounts, while the oxygen analog of pirimiphos-methyl (II) was detected in trace amounts. Neither the N-desethylamino derivative (III) nor the other pyrimidinol ones (V & VI) could be detected in dates.