COMPLETION OF LABEL INFORMATION AND PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF COMMERCIAL PESTICIDE SAMPLES TRADED IN EGYPTIAN MARKETS

Abstract

The current study was carried out to check the completion of label information and determine the physico- chemical properties of commercial pesticide samples traded in the Egyptian markets. Twenty-nine market samples were collected during the years 2015 and 2016 for commercial formulations produced by different manufacturers from pesticide shops in four governorates (Cairo, Giza, Qaluobia, and Sharqia). The collected samples included 18 preparations in the form of Emulsifiable Concentrates (EC), and 11 in the form of wettable powder (WP). Physicochemical properties were determined for each formulation according to international standard methods (CIPAC, 2003) through tests of pH value, Persistent Foam, Emulsion Stability, Suspencibility, and Wettability. The obtained results showed that although the label data was complete for many of the packages, some information was found to be missing. The missing information was related to directions for use (4%), safety precautions and first aid (7%), anti-dote (12%), hazard category (6%), Pre-Harvest Interval, (PHI) (17%), registration number (13%) and Batch number (18%). Regarding physico- chemical properties, the obtained data indicated that there was a difference in the percentage of the foam layer for the tested formulations of chlorprifos-ethyl (6 prepara-tions) (Tafaban 48%EC, Pyrifos El-Nasr 48% EC, Pestiban 48% EC, Pyriban-A 48% EC, Chlorfan 48% EC and Chlorzan 48% EC). These preparations were in accordance with international standards in terms of emulsion stability after half an hour, while the mismatching samples showed that the formed layer exceeded the standard volume after two hours of maximum limits, and failed to test emulsion stability after 24.5 hours, as well as in the free oil layer formed at the same time. The results of the emulsion stability tests showed four other tested formulations, namely, lambda chalo-thrin (Fly Free 5% EC), chlorpyrifos–methyl (Py-rodan 50% EC), and two different formulations for malathion (Agrothion 57% EC and Malason Extra 57% EC), all of which conform to standard specifi-cations in terms of the level of the foam layer, as well as complete emulsification after half an hour. The cream layer after half an hour was identical. However, the difference and mismatch in the three formulations appeared after two hours of emulsification, where the percentage of the cream layer exceeded the allowed limits, and the free oil layer was not conforming to specifications, (after two hours or 24.5 hours). Also, the tested preparations of abamectin (Demectin 1.8% EC and Gold 1.8% EC) and emamectin benzoate (Basha 1.9% EC and Excellent 1.9% EC) have been successful in the tests of Persistent Foam, Emulsion stability (cream layer and free oil layer formed after half an hour and two hours as well as 24.5 hours). Comparing the efficiency of emulsification among other EC formulations including fenitrothion (Sumithion 50% EC), diazinon (Diazinox 60% EC), and profenfos (Sylian 72% EC and Teleton 72% EC) conformed to specifications in terms of the level of the foam layer. However, both Sumithion and Diazinox failed to stabilize, forming a creamy layer that exceeded the standard maximum limit after two hours. For WP formulations, some have successfully passed the suspensibility test, while other formulations, including preparations of Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria (Agerin 6.5% WP, Dipel 2X 6.4% WP and Protecto 9.4%WP). have not been successful. These results confirm the importance of developing monitoring and surveillance activities for pesticide formulations traded on the market and developing special means for checking the quality of products and detecting products that are counterfeit or non-conforming to the declared specifications or National and International standards.