Investigating Insecticide and Fungicide Residues over Time in Cotton and Soybean

Wild and managed bees play a major role in the reproductive cycle of many of our crops. However, in the event of pest pressures nearing economic injury levels during the reproductive phase, farmers are forced to choose between spraying to combat loss of yield and the health of the local beneficial insect community. In this study we test cotton and soybean flowers for spray residues and systemic persistence in floral structures for 4 commonly used insecticides and fungicide. Samples were taken for both cotton and soybean at 1, 24, 48, 72, and 120 hours after application.