Cytological effects of the herbicide racer “flurochloridone” on Allium cepa

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to study the cytological effects of the herbicide racer “flurochloridone” (3-chloro-4-(chloromethyl)-1-[3-(trifluoromethyl)= phenyl]-2-pyrrolidinone) on Allium cepa with respect to the cell response, mitotic index, mitotic abnormalities and chromosome aberrations. The roots of bulbs were treated with the following concentrations depending on the root growth inhibition test: 80 ppm (LD50), 40 ppm (LD50/2) and 20 ppm (LD50/4). The results indicated that flurochloridone herbicide reduced the mitotic division in A. cepa as compared to their control groups. The reduction in mitotic activity was more significant when the concentration of the herbicide increased and the exposure time was prolonged. The treatment conducted with flurochloridone induced a significant percentage of abnormal mitosis. Seven types of abnormalities were recorded: C-metaphase, laggards, stickiness, bridges, fragments, multipolarity and poliploidy. Micronucleated cells were also observed at interphase. In additon, in pretreated root tips, chromosome breaks, fragments and sister union were detected. © 2003 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.