Effects of Dithane M-45 (A fungicide) on root meristem of Vigna mungo (L.) hepper
Abstract
The cytotoxic effects of Dithane M-45, a fungicide were investigated in the mitotic cell division in black gram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) root tip cells. For this aim, with four different concentrations (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3% and 0.4%) of Dithane M-45 solutions were used for ten hours. Root tips after having grown to a certain length (1.5 to 2 cm) were stained according to aceto-orcein squash procedure and the number of abnormal cells was counted in each phase of mitosis. The obtained results indicate that Dithane M-45 had the ability to cause production of a large number of mitotic abnormalities. These abnormalities appeared in varying degrees depending on the dose. Various abnormalities on chromosomes like lagging early anaphase, chromosomal bridges, c-metaphase, chromatin granulation etc were seen among mitotic divisions treated with Dithane M-45. Control roots did not reveal any abnormality.
