Published in Scientific Papers. Series A. Agronomy, Vol. LXI, Issue 1
Written by Elena BONCIU
Excessive use of pesticides in agriculture in the context of increased ecosystems pollution justifies assessing the cytotoxicity of these chemicals. The purpose of the research was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the herbicide Galigan 240 EC to plants, using as a test plant the species Allium cepa (onion), which is commonly used in the cytotoxicity tests. Exposure to various herbicide concentrations (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%) for 3, 8 and 24 hours had different effects on the mitotic index. Thus, a decrease in the percentage of the mitotic index was found, in direct correlation with the exposure time and herbicide concentration. The study also reveals a direct correlation between herbicide concentration, exposure time and chromosomal aberrations/nuclear alterations identified in meristematic cells of onion. The most common chromosomal aberrations identified were stickyness and laggards, while the nuclear alterations were represented by binucleated cells and cells with nuclear erosion. These results suggest caution when applying the herbicide Galigan 240 EC to agricultural crops.
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