Cytogenetic activities of some fungicides

Abstract

The effect of 4 concentrations containing 4, 20, 100 and 500 ppm a.i. of the two fungicides dithane and denmart applied for 4 and 24 h. on mitotic activity and chromosomes in root meristems of Allium cepa has been investigated. Both compounds inhibited mitosis and resulted in the accumulation of metaphase configurations. High concentrations of dithane gave rise to lower prophase frequency, whereas those of denmart reduced the frequency of both anaphase and telophase. Both compounds exerted a weak C-mitotic activity, but induced chromosomal stickiness, breaks and bridges in a considerable proportion of dividing cells. Denmart also induced chromosome lagging, binucleated and multinucleated cells and micronuclei. In general dithane was more effective in inhibting mitosis, whereas denmart produced higher amount of chromosomal abnormalities than dithane. The significance of the cytogenetic effects of both fungicides is discussed. © 1988, Japan Mendel Society, International Society of Cytology. All rights reserved.