Residue behavior and efficacy of benzothiazole in grains under different fumigation conditions

BackgroundBenzothiazole is a potential grain fumigant for Tribolium castaneum. However, its safety profile and suitable fumigation conditions remain unknown. We therefore investigated the insecticidal efficacy, accumulation and dissipation of benzothiazole in grains (wheat, corn and rice) under different temperatures. ResultsWe established a universal detection method (modified QuEChERS coupled with GC-MS/MS) of benzothiazole residues in three grains, which provided high linearity (R-2 > 0.999), sensitivity (limits of detection = 0.001 mg/kg, limits of quantification = 0.002-0.005 mg/kg), accuracy (recoveries = 88.18-118.75%) and precision (relative standard deviations < 4.78%). The insecticidal efficacy order of benzothiazole was 30 >= 10 > 20 degrees C and corn > wheat > rice. Temperature positively affected the accumulation/dissipation rate of benzothiazole. Rice was the most easily accumulated and dissipated grain for benzothiazole residues, while corn accumulated benzothiazole more than wheat but less than rice, with dissipation slower than wheat and rice. ConclusionOur results provide important references for the application of benzothiazole and other fumigants. (c) 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Automated summary

This study investigated the insecticidal efficacy, accumulation, and dissipation of benzothiazole in grains (wheat, corn, and rice) under different temperatures. A universal detection method was established for benzothiazole residues in three grains. The results showed that the insecticidal efficacy and accumulation/dissipation rate of benzothiazole were influenced by temperature. Corn had the highest insecticidal efficacy, while rice had the highest accumulation and dissipation rate. These findings provide important references for the application of benzothiazole and other fumigants.