Simultaneous detection of multiple plant growth regulator residues in cabbage and grape using an optimal QuEChERS Sample preparation and UHPLC-MS/MS method.

Background. At present, plant growth regulators (PGRs) are widely used in agricultural and forestry production. PGRs, like traditional pesticides, have certain toxicities. Naively excessively applying them will cause the acute and chronic poisoning of humans and animals and potentially harm human health. Objective. In order to assess, prevent, and control the residues of PGRs in fruits and vegetables, a set of quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) analytical methods that simultaneously detect multiple PGR residues are urgently needed for quality and safety inspection of agricultural product. Methods. In this study, grapes (representative of fruits) and cabbages (representative of vegetables) were used as the detected objects. The 30 commercial product residues of PGRs were detected in both with an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) method, based on optimized chromatographic, MS, and preparation conditions (extraction solvent and cleanup conditions). Grape and cabbage samples were extracted with acetonitrile...