Decline of pesticide residues in artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.):: Influence of globe covering on the harvesting time

A study was carried out on pesticide residues in artichokes treated with Pirimicarb, Chlorpyriphos-methyl, Penconazole and Fenarimol, representing the mostly used pesticides in the protection of this crop. The treatment was performed after covering with plastic films about 50% globes at different ripening stages. The residues detected 24 hours after treatment were lower than 0.05 mg/kg for the covered globes, whereas ranged from 0.32 to 2.70 mg/kg for the uncovered ones. The residues found in the covered samples were probably due to the migration of the active ingredients from the leaves to the globes. As far as the uncovered globes are concerned, residues were barely lower than the legal limits at the end of the pre-harvest interval. Covering of the globes does not compromise the product safety and allows the harvest from the first day after the treatment.