Persistence and Biochemical Signs of Malathion on Cottonseeds

Abstract

Two Field experiments were carried out during the season 2000 / 2001 and 2001 / 2002 to investigate the persistence and effect of the insecticide Malathion, on cottonseed quality of two local cultivars, Barakat-90 and Barac-67. Three concentration levels of this insecticide were applied on field grown cotton. The insecticide residue was analyzed. Oil, protein, phytic acid and mineral contents of cottonseeds were determined. No malathion residues were detected in all samples of different levels of treatments. The results also showed significant increase in cottonseed oil of Barakat-90 as influenced by different levels of treatments. While no significant difference was observed in Barac-67, in the first season. Protein content increased significantly in cottonseeds of both cultivars. No significant change was noticed in phytic acid except for Barac-67 cultivar in first season. Moreover the change in minerals of the cotton seeds showed no consistent pattern as influenced by different treatments.