Effects of Pesticides on Selected Vegetable Crops Grown in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State Nigeria

Abstract

The study analyzed the effects of pesticides on selected vegetable crops grown in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State Nigeria. The pesticide Dichlorvos (DD Force) was used to treat sites planted with Amaranth, cucumber, and okra. Soil and vegetable samples were randomly collected after 30 days of incorporation and tested for traces of chloride and phosphate. The results of the analysis showed that amaranth, cucumber, and okra residue concentration exceeded the maximum residual limit. Chloride and phosphate residues exceed the Maximum Residue Limit in vegetable crops. The amount of chloride in the soil sample exceeded the Maximum Permissible Limit. The amount of phosphate in the soil samples was lower than the Maximum Permissible Limit. The fact that vegetables are often grown and used with pesticides to control pests requires caution. Therefore, it is recommended that there should be limits and controls on the use and production of pesticides.