Asian Journal of Plant and Soil Sciences

This study evaluated agrochemical residues in date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruits, leaves and soil under an agrisilvicultural system at the Modibbo Adama University plantation, Yola, Nigeria. Samples were collected from zones classified as high, medium and low growth-performance areas and analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Atrazine was detected in date palm fruits at 0.03 µg/kg. No pesticide or herbicide residue was detected in leaf samples from the high-growth site, where fatty acids, esters, diosgenin and quinoxaline derivatives were identified among the major compounds. Leaf samples from the medium- and low-growth sites contained detectable residues of selected agrochemicals, including dichlorvos, chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, 2,4-D and alachlor. Cypermethrin was detected in medium-growth leaves at 0.34 µg/kg, while dichlorvos, 2,4-D and alachlor were recorded in low-growth leaves at concentrations ranging from 0.12 to 0.44 µg/kg. Soil analysis indicated the presence of dichlorvos, chlorpyrifos, butachlor, atrazine and cypermethrin at different depths, with some residues detected at 31-60 cm, suggesting vertical movement within the soil profile. Chlorpyrifos reached 0.85 µg/kg in high- and medium-growth soils, while cypermethrin was detected at 0.34 µg/kg in low-growth soil. The findings indicate that residue distribution varied among plant parts, soil depths and growth zones. Although fruit residues were low, pesticide detection in leaves and soil highlights the need for routine monitoring, improved pesticide management and integrated pest management practices to reduce agrochemical accumulation and support sustainable date palm production.