Fate of Tebuconazole and Trifloxystrobin in Edible Rose Petals: Storage Stability and Human Health Risk Assessment

TL;DR

This study evaluates the residue behavior and health risks of tebuconazole and trifloxystrobin in edible rose petals, recommending maximum residue limits to ensure consumer safety.

Contribution

The study provides the first residue behavior and risk assessment for tebuconazole and trifloxystrobin in edible rose petals in China.

Findings

Tebuconazole and trifloxystrobin residues remained stable in rose petals for 12 months at –20 °C ± 2 °C.

Drying rose petals significantly concentrated pesticide residues due to their hydrophobic nature.

Dietary risk assessment showed acceptable risk for trifloxystrobin but high risk for tebuconazole.

Abstract

This study addresses the absence of maximum residue limits (MRLs) for tebuconazole and trifloxystrobin in edible rose petals in China by systematically evaluating the residue behavior and dietary exposure risks of these fungicides. An analytical method based on QuEChERS sample preparation coupled with UPLC–MS/MS was developed for the simultaneous determination of tebuconazole, trifloxystrobin, and its metabolite CGA321113 in fresh and dried rose petals. Field trials under the highest application conditions (184 g a.i./hm2, applied twice) were conducted to investigate residue dissipation dynamics, storage stability, processing concentration effects, and transfer behavior during brewing. Results indicated that the target compounds remained stable in rose petals for 12 months at –20 °C ± 2 °C. The drying process significantly concentrated residues due to the hydrophobic nature of the compounds, with enrichment factors ranging from 3.0 to 3.9. Brewing tests further confirmed low transfer rates of tebuconazole, trifloxystrobin, and CGA321113 into the infusion, consistent with their low water solubility and high log Kow values. Residue dissipation followed first-order kinetics, with half-lives of 1.9–2.9 days for tebuconazole and 1.2–2.7 days for trifloxystrobin. Dietary risk assessment showed an acceptable risk for trifloxystrobin (RQ = 22.7%) but a high risk for tebuconazole (RQ = 175.1%). It is recommended to set the MRL for both tebuconazole and trifloxystrobin in edible roses at 15.0 mg/kg. This standard ensures consumer safety while accommodating agricultural needs and aligns with international regulations. For the high-risk pesticide tebuconazole, measures such as optimizing application strategies and promoting integrated management should be implemented to mitigate residue risks.

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