Publication

Abstract : Population explosion leads to the exploitation of agricultural field to meet the supply of food products (mainly vegetables and fruits). Before first century onwards the usage of pesticide was started to promote the growth of food products and in the present, biotechnological strategies are adopted for pest control along with synthetic pesticides. The demand for maximization of productivity is achieved by the application of synthetic pesticides. Apart from its benefits, its misuse predominates and generates serious consequences. The categorization of pesticides can be done according to their source, mode of action, nature of pest and also on their chemical nature. Excessive and inappropriate usage of pesticides undoubtfully leads to poisoning and various instances of pesticide poisoning are being reported every year. These incidences of pesticide poisoning tragedy include Endosulphan poisoning, Tragedy of Tauccamarca, Seveso disaster etc. These pesticides create serious health hazards ranging from short term effects like vomiting to long term effects including cancer and neurological problems. Analytical laboratories contribute for reducing its intensity to humans and to environment through preliminary screening techniques and comprehensive screening procedures like HPLC, LCMS, GC and GCMS. These are efficient and powerful methods of pesticide determination in vegetables and fruits. The scenario of pesticide usage is complex and hence, care has to be taken by the government and public to lower its usage and to promote environmental stability and social health.