Cytogenetic and biochemical consequences of periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) leaf extract treatment in onion test system

An experiment was conducted to know the effects of leaf extract of periwinkle, on sprouted onion bulbs. The bulbs were placed in 2, 4, 8 and 16 percent leaf extract of periwinkle. After 24 hr, the root growth was found to be retarded with increase in concentration. The mitotic indices decreased, whereas mitotic anomalies increased with increase in extract concentration. There was also an increase in protein content in roots and of chlorophylls in leaves of onion.