In situ mass spectrometry imaging reveals pesticide residues and key metabolic pathways throughout the entire cowpea growth process

Cowpea plants, renowned for their high edibility, pose a significant risk of pesticide residue contamination. Elucidating the behavior of pesticide residues and their key metabolic pathways is critical for ensuring cowpea safety and human health. This study investigated the migration of pesticide residues and their key metabolic pathways in pods throughout the growth process of cowpea plants via in situ mass spectrometry. To this end, four pesticides––including systemic (thiram), and nonsystemic (fluopyram, pyriproxyfen, and cyromazine) pesticides––were selected. The results indicate the direct upward and downward transmission of pesticides in cowpea stems and pods. Systemic pesticides gradually migrate to the core of cowpea plants, whereas nonsystemic pesticides remain on the surface of cowpea peels. The migration rate is influenced by the cowpea maturity, logarithmic octanol–water partition coefficient (log Kow) value, and molecular weight of the pesticide. Further, 20 types of key metabolites related to glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and flavonoid synthesis were found in cowpea pods after pesticide treatment. These findings afford insights into improving cowpea quality and ensuring the safe use of pesticides. Pesticide residue is an important risk affecting environmental safety and human health. Understanding the behavior of pesticide residue and key metabolisms is critical for ensuring cowpea safety. This study reveals pesticide residues and key metabolic pathways throughout the entire cowpea growth process using in situ mass spectrometry imaging. The results provide insights for improving cowpea quality and ensuring the safe use of pesticides.