Quality evaluation, pesticide residual analysis and post-harvest characters of organic curry leaf (Murraya koenigii Spreng.)

Abstract

Curry leaf (Murraya koenigii Spreng.) is a perennial nutritious herbal spice crop grown for its aromatic leaves. Besides, being a spice crop, curry leaf plays a major role in the Ayurveda and Unani systems of medicine due to its wide range of medicinal properties. This research study was performed to explore the quality, pesticide residue and post-harvest characters of curry leaves that was grown in the environment of applying different organic manures and bio-stimulants. Application of 50% N as Vermicompost + 50% N as Neem cake + Panchagavya (3%) as foliar spray was recorded the highest leaf iron content (3.62%), leaf calcium content (950.37 mg/100 g), essential oil content (0.186%), shelf life (15 days) and leaf to powder ratio (1.06). Results of pesticide residue analysis showed that T3 of curry leaf contained pesticide named Endosulfan, Malathion, Chlorpyriphos, Quinalphos and the residual level of these pesticides are less than 0.1 mg/kg. These pesticide limit is BLQ as mentioned by the Pesticide residue analysis report. Hence, Curry leaf fed with 50% N as Vermicompost + 50% N as Neem cake + Panchagavya (3%) as foliar spray yielded high quality and more shelf life leaves without pesticide residue.