Anthraquinone, a synthetic dye precursor, is currently being studied as a repellant to minimize blackbird damage to sunflowers. Quantitative methods were developed to assess preparation of anthraquinone formulations and monitor systemic uptake in sunflower plants.   Quantitative methods employing HPLC with UV detection were developed for the analyses of eight bait matrices (almonds, CU Bird Carrier, mealworms, whole oats, pellets, rough rice, sorghum, and wheat) and sunflower achenes and bracts.  Cryogenically homogenized samples were extracted with either chloroform or a chloroform:hexane solution, evaporated to dryness, and reconstituted in methanol. Plant tissue extracts were subjected to solid phase extraction clean-up step prior to being evaporated to dryness. Reconstituted extracts were chromatographed using a gradient of water and methanol as the mobile phase.  Recovery of anthraquinone-fortified samples ranged from 88 to 98% for all matrices with relative standard deviations of 0.95% - 7.1%. This method successfully determined anthraquinone residues with limits of detection ranging between 0.17 �g/g and 2.5 �g/g.

Quantifying anthraquinone in sunflower tissues and various bait matrices by HPLC

248th National Meeting (2014)

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