Mohammed Zougagh

Pesticide Residue Monitoring of Crops in Souss Masa Valley (Morocco) Mohammed Zougagh

Moroccan agricultural industry is oriented towards export of high quality fresh fruit worldwide. With an average production of about 10 million tons per annum from which 80% is exported mainly to European markets. the present study was carried out to determine pesticide residues in tomatoes, peppers, citrus, green beans cultivated in Souss Massa valley (Morocco) for checking their compliance with EU MRLS. From different samples collected in the packing houses of the Souss, it appears that the pesticide should not cause any legal concern in Souss Masa Valley when this agricultural practice is applied. The levels of residual pesticide were not significantly influenced by the removal of inedible parts or by wash treatments as compared to the edible parts and unwashed pepper samples