Non-food bioactive products for botanical pesticides: Insights into residue and dissipation kinetics of matrine-type alkaloids from Sophora alopecuroides

Sophora alopecuroides has important industrial value as the main source of matrine-type alkaloids, which have the potential to develop into global botanical pesticides. However, the unclear residue dynamics of matrine-type alkaloids severely limits its industrial development and large-scale application as botanical pesticides. Therefore, this study systematically analyzed residue behavior of matrine-type alkaloids of S. alopecuroides in crops and the environment. Firstly, the indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IC-ELISA) method for the detection of matrine was developed and verified. The IC-ELISA method showed excellent cross-reactivities to matrine analogues, and could be used directly to detect and analyze the total alkaloids from S. alopecuroides. Using the IC-ELISA method, the dissipation behaviors and terminal residues of matrine and total alkaloids in pakchoi and soil were investigated. The results showed that matrine and the total alkaloids from S. alopecuroides were both easily degradable pesticides. However, the half-lives of matrine in pakchoi and soil were 1.576 d and 1.531d, respectively, significantly lower than those of total alkaloids with values of 6.649 d and 2.767 d. The results also provide guidance for the maximum residue detection values (MRLs) and scientific application of matrine-type alkaloid pesticides. This study is of great significance to promote the industrial development and large-scale application of its matrine-type alkaloids as botanical pesticides and improve the industrial value of S. alopecuroides.