Pesticides and vegetables: ecological and metabolic fate with their field and food significance

Historically, pesticides have shaped and revolutionized modern agriculture in successions and thus have played a major role in increasing agricultural productivity with a substantial reduction in losses and increased farm incomes. Fresh produce like vegetables is attacked by a large number of insects and pests which necessitates the use of pesticides as control agents and may result in direct toxicity or residue left in treated vegetables after the harvest. The issues of contamination and residues have an unavoidable threat to both the environment and human well-being. Different adverse health effects due to pesticide exposure or consumption through the contaminated food depend upon the type of pesticide and exposure duration as well. The use of pesticides should be restricted by appropriate and good agricultural practices (GAPs), rational use for specific target organisms, and alternative pest control strategies to reduce their health and environmental impact. Regulations governing pesticide use, training, and extension services should be given to the farmers. The biotransformation and bioaccumulation of the most commonly used pesticides should be carefully monitored and documented for the highest level of safety to the ultimate consumers. Further, research should be focused on searching for rapid analytical, detection, and removal techniques for the residues. The focus of this review is to provide updated information about the most commonly used pesticides and their bioaccumulation and biotransformation. Further, advancements in the detection techniques and the effect of processing or decontamination techniques on residue content in vegetable crops have been provided for the readers.

Automated summary

Pesticides have played a significant role in modern agriculture, increasing productivity but also posing threats to the environment and human health. Restricting pesticide use, monitoring residue levels, and researching safer removal techniques are necessary for sustainable farming practices.