Pesticide residues on harvested fruits and vegetables pose significant public health concerns. While consumers commonly use home-type washing treatments to remove these residues, their effectiveness requires scientific validation.
This study investigates the effects of pre-harvest pesticide applications and post-harvest washing methods on pesticide residue removal, physicochemical quality parameters, and storage behavior of sweet cherry fruits (Prunus avium L.) during 28 days of cold storage at 1 °C.
Pre-harvest application of commonly used pesticides (malathion, boscalid + pyraclostrobin) followed by post-harvest washing treatments (distilled water, 5% vinegar, and 5% sodium bicarbonate) significantly influenced residue levels and quality of sweet cherries during storage.
Distilled water was the most effective method for reducing pesticide residues, followed by sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) and vinegar. However, NaHCO₃ treatments resulted in greater mass loss and negatively impacted fruit firmness.
Pesticide treatments increased soluble solids content but generally reduced titratable acidity and antioxidant capacity by the end of storage. Pesticide and carbonate treatments contributed to undesirable changes in overall fruit quality.
Washing treatments, especially with distilled water, effectively reduced pesticide residues from cherries, promoting safer consumption.
Washing treatments involving distilled water and vinegar had a positive impact on the preservation of fruit quality. Nevertheless, some treatments had a negative impact on storage quality.
These findings highlight the need for further research to identify optimal combinations of washing agents and storage strategies tailored to different pesticides and fruit types.
Source: Öcalan, O.N., Balkan, T., Dinçer, E. et al. Effect of washing treatments on the removal of pesticide residues, bioactive compounds, and post-harvest quality of sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.). BMC Plant Biol 25, 1502 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-025-07507-5
Image source: Terre Sabine
07 Jun 2024
15 industry specialists will meet on 18 June at the Sun Monticello event centre for the second version of the largest technical event in the cherry industry. The event will offer three interesting discussion forums and three keynote lectures.
01 Sep 2025
New cherry varieties tested in Piedmont are reshaping orchards in Cuneo. Agrion trials and Sanifrutta projects increase yields and fruit quality with early and late cultivars, advanced protections and innovative agronomic strategies for sustainable cherry production in Italy.
26 Oct 2026
Godolesh, near Elbasan in Albania, is a distinctive cherry-growing area. Its native variety, annual output of around 700 tonnes and sustainable practices support ambitions to reach European markets, from Italy to Germany, building on quality, origin and tradition.
23 Oct 2026
Spring rains in Chile have split early cherries in the north, while damage in O’Higgins, which accounts for over 80% of production, remains marginal so far. Growers are monitoring fungal disease, saturated soils and potential impacts on Chile’s 2026/27 cherry crop.
