Performance and application of pesticide immunoassays in crop residue analysis

The use of pesticide immunoassays in residue analysis is increasing in popularity. Most applications to date have been concerned with the quantitative determination of pesticide concentrations in soil and water. Recent work by a small number of researchers has applied the technology to crop residue analysis. This talk will review the current status of pesticide analysis in crops by immunoassays and their regulatory acceptability. The effectiveness of immunoassays as well as their limitations will be demonstrated using the example of the insecticide spinosad on fruit and vegetable substrates. Future application areas for the technique which could potentially support and improve the quality of regulatory packages will also be discussed.