The glyphosate influence on cytogenetic and biochemical aspects of wheat (Triticum aestivum L) seedlings development

Abstract

The influence of glyphosate on the germination and development of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) was researched. The chronical influence during all the time of growth was estimated, together with the consequences of the contact with glyphosate of the already formed seedlings. A dose-dependent decrease in the growth rate of seedlings in the presence of glyphosate was found, and even in normally developing seedlings damage to the root tips was observed. In particular, in seedlings, the integrity of the root cap was disrupted, degenerative changes of the rhizodermis and root hairs were detected. It has been shown that a decrease in the root growth rate during chronic exposure is largely due to the suppression of mitoses. In addition, high glyphosate concentrations had a general toxic effect, stopping the development of seedlings yet at the stage of primary roots growth through enlarging the cells. It was found that the antioxidant system of seedlings prevented the development of oxidative stress at the concentration of herbicide 50 μM, in particular, due to the activation of peroxidase. Placing seedlings grown on distilled water in 100 μM glyphosate solution induced lipid peroxidation. Chronic effects of herbicide in this concentration inhibited lipid metabolism in general.