Residual Characteristics of Methyl Bromide and Hydrogen Cyanide in Banana, Orange, and Pineapple

Fumigant, methyl bromide which is used in most countries for plant quarantine, has been designated and under control as ozone depleting substance. For developing alternative chemicals for methyl bromide, many countries have been intensifying their capacity. This study was carried out to investigate the residue patterns of hydrogen cyanide which is commonly used for plant quarantine. Hydrogen cyanide was treated onto the orange, banana, and pineapple at recommended and double doses and then sampling was done at 1 and 3 day after fumigation treatment. Residue of hydrogen cyanide was found safe because average residue levels on orange, banana, and pineapple after 3 days of fumigation treatment were 0.57±0.05, 0.21±0.17, and 0.41±0.08 ppm, which were lower than the MRLs of Korea (5 ppm), Japan (5 ppm), USA (50 ppm), and Canada (25 ppm). Hydrogen cyanide are expected to be used as alternative chemicals for methyl bromide fumigant for orange, banana, and pineapple.