Cytogenetic effects of two synthetic pesticides on mitotic chromosome on root tip cells of Allium cepa

Abstract

In this study, two agricultural synthetic insecticides were examined for their genotoxic and cytotoxic effects on root tip cells of Allium cepa, namely, Emar non-systemic Insecticide, which is used to eliminate worms on rodents, and Confidor Systemic insecticide that targets sucking insects.Two concentrations (0.2 and 0.1 ml/L) of Emar and one concentration (0.15 ml/L) of Confidor were used for four different time periods (8,12,16 and 24 h); tested dosages were assessed for genotoxic and cytotoxic effects to mitotic chromosomes of Allium cepa root tip cells. The results indicate that both insecticides were genotoxic, as they decrease the mitotic index and increase chromosomal aberration. The observed effects were significant after treatment with 0.1 ml/L and 0.2 ml/L of Emare; also, treament with 0.15 ml/L of Confidor was significant at p>0.05 and cytotoxic, especially after treatment for a long time (16, 24 h). The types of chromosome aberration observed were stickiness, distributed, C-metaphase, C-anaphase, lagging chromosome, binucleate cell and bridge. © 2013 The Japan Mendel Society.