Archives of Current Research International

Chlorantraniliprole, a novel diamide insecticide, is widely used for controlling pod borers, particularly Helicoverpa armigera, in pigeonpea crops. The present study investigates the dissipation and residue persistence of chlorantraniliprole in pigeonpea pods under field conditions during therabi seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23. Chlorantraniliprole was applied as a foliar spray at bud initiation and pod formation stages. Residue extraction was performed using the modified QuEChERS method, followed by analysis via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The dissipation study revealed that chlorantraniliprole residues dissipated rapidly, with over 90% of the pesticide degraded by Day 5 and complete dissipation (below detectable levels) by Day 10. The pesticide followed first-order kinetics with a half-life of 1.21 days and the safe waiting period before harvest was determined to be 7.51 days, ensuring that residues were below the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) of 0.03 mg/kg. The study confirms that chlorantraniliprole is a rapidly degrading pesticide and adherence to the recommended waiting period ensures its safe use in pigeonpea cultivation. These findings support the safe and effective use of chlorantraniliprole in pest management, particularly against pod borers in pigeonpea, while ensuring consumer safety through the reduction of pesticide residues in edible parts.