## 4 Conclusions  
In this study, the QuEChenERS methodology was refined for better tricyclazole detection in rice samples, and the established method was successfully applied to residue study from unmanned aerial spraying. It was discovered that utilizing a mixed solvent of MeCN and EA, containing 0.1% FA, yielded the most efficient extraction and partitioning of tricyclazole. The combined use of PSA and C18 (25 mg each) sorbents during purification maximized recovery rates and reduced matrix effects, though excessive sorbent amounts (50 mg each) negatively impacted recovery. The established analytical method was validated for sensitivity and precision, with the LOQ of 0.01 mg/kg, facilitating trace residue analysis in rice samples following unmanned aerial pesticide application. While adjuvant use increased initial attachment, residues remained below MRL at harvest, ensuring safety. This research underscores the importance of optimizing extraction and purification methods for accurate residue analysis, offering valuable insights for improving agricultural chemical management and food safety.  
The following supporting information can be downloaded at: [[https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/app14135607/s1](https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/app14135607/s1)]([https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/app14135607/s1](https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/app14135607/s1)), Figure S1: Product ion mass spectra of tricyclazole ([M+H]+) at different collision energies (CEs). (a) CE at \(-20\) V and (b) CE at \(-40\) V; Figure S2: Optimization of collision energy (CE) for tricyclazole product ions. (a) product ion at \(m/z\) 163.1, (b) product ion at \(m/z\) 136.1, (c) product ion at \(m/z\) 109.1, (d) product ion at \(m/z\) 65.1; Figure S3: Calibration curve for tricyclazole matrix-matched standard solution; Table S1: Optimized multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) parameters and retention time (t\({}_{\text{R}}\)) for tricyclazole analysis by LC-MS/MS; Table S2: Recovery rates (\(n=3\)) for three different methods with the addition of formic acid (FA) to the extraction solvent in brown rice. Each method was conducted without purification steps; Table S3: Residual concentrations of tricyclazole in mature grain (brown rice) at 10 days after treatment (DAT) following aerial spraying with various adjuvants.  
Conceptualization, H.H.N.; methodology, H.-R.E.; software, J.-W.B.; validation, H.-R.E. and S.-H.K.; formal analysis, Y.-J.L.; investigation, S.-M.K.; resources, M.-J.J.; data curation, Y.-H.L.; writing--original draft preparation, Y.-J.L.; writing--review and editing, Y.S.; visualization, H.H.N.; supervision, Y.S.; project administration, Y.S.; funding acquisition, H.H.N. and Y.S. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  
This study was carried out with the support of \"Cooperative Research Program for Agriculture Science and Technology Development (Project No. PJ017000)\", Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea.  
Not applicable.  
The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/Supplementary Materials, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.  
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c c c c} \hline \hline \multirow{2}{*}{**Plot**} & \multirow{2}{*}{**Adjuvant**} & \multicolumn{4}{c}{**Residue (mg/kg)**} \\ \cline{3-6}  & & **Trial 1** & **Trial 2** & **Trial 3** & **Mean \(\pm\) sd1** \\ \hline A & - & 0.27 & 0.35 & 0.43 & 0.35 \(\pm\) 0.08 c 2 \\ \hline B & Cares & 0.71 & 0.57 & 0.78 & 0.68 \(\pm\) 0.11 b \\ \hline C & Gondor & 1.45 & 2.01 & 1.35 & 1.60 \(\pm\) 0.36 a \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table}
Table 4: Residual concentrations of tricyclazole in rice panicles at 0 days after treatment (DAT) following aerial spraying with various adjuvants.