ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Application of chemometric analysis using physicochemical and chromatographic data to differentiate the origin of plant protection products containing trinexapac-ethyl
1
Pesticide Quality Testing Laboratory, Institute of Plant Protection – National Research Institute, Sosnicowice Branch, Sosnicowice, Poland
A - Research concept and design; B - Collection and/or assembly of data; C - Data analysis and interpretation; D - Writing the article; E - Critical revision of the article; F - Final approval of article
Submission date: 2024-08-08
Acceptance date: 2024-10-21
Online publication date: 2025-07-08
Corresponding author
Patrycja Marczewska
Pesticide Quality Testing Laboratory, Institute of Plant Protection – National Research Institute, Sosnicowice Branch, Sosnicowice, Poland
Pesticide Quality Testing Laboratory, Institute of Plant Protection – National Research Institute, Sosnicowice Branch, Sosnicowice, Poland
Journal of Plant Protection Research 2025;65(2):200-210
HIGHLIGHTS
- A method for determining trinexapac-ethyl in PPPs was developed
- Quality of PPPs containing trinexapac-ethyl was assessed
- Physicochemical parameters, HPLC, HS-GC/MS data, and chemometric analysis were used
- PCA and HCA based on data divided samples into informative clusters
- Fingerprints can provide information on the authenticity of plant protection products
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
The European market for plant protection products (PPPs) faces significant challenges related
to counterfeit and substandard PPPs, posing threats to sustainable agriculture and
food safety. This study explored the application of chemometric methods based on physical,
chemical, and technical parameters, as well as data obtained by high-performance liquid
chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) and headspace gas chromatography
coupled with mass spectrometry (HS-GC/MS), to verify the authenticity of PPPs
containing trinexapac-ethyl. A total of 44 formulations were analyzed, including authentic
samples and substandard PPPs obtained from various retail points and manufacturers. The
developed analytical methods demonstrated robustness in determining physicochemical
parameters and generating chromatographic profiles distinguishing between genuine and
non-genuine products. Chemometric tools such as principal component analysis (PCA),
hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA), and Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogy
(SIMCA) facilitated data interpretation, revealing distinct clusters of samples based on their
chemical fingerprints. SIMCA models exhibited their potential for routine quality control
assessments. Overall, integrating advanced analytical techniques and chemometrics offers
a promising strategy to safeguard the integrity of PPPs, enhance regulatory compliance,
and mitigate the risks associated with counterfeit products in the European agricultural
market. This approach supports sustainable agricultural practices by ensuring product authenticity
and safety, thereby fostering consumer trust and regulatory adherence. In the
context of increasing global demand for agricultural products, effective verification of PPPs
authenticity becomes a crucial element in ensuring food security, human health, and environmental
protection.
FUNDING
This work was supported by the National Centre for
Research and Development under Grant GOSPOSTRATEG
1/385957/5/NCBR/2018.
RESPONSIBLE EDITOR
Piotr Kaczyński
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors have declared that no conflict of interests exist.
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| eISSN: | 1899-007X |
| ISSN: | 1427-4345 |
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