Allium Test for Assessing Chromotoxic Effects of Artificial Yellow Dye

Abstract

Chromotoxic effects of artificial yellow dye, used by grocer for colouring yellow pulses has been studied on root mitosis of Allium cepa. Root tips were treated with 3 concentrations (100, 200, 400 ppm) for 1, 2, 4 h. The dye inhibited cell division and there was decline in the mitotic index with the increase in dye concentration and duration of treatment. Dye induced a wide range of mitotic abnormalities like changed nuclear morphology, nuclear death, perforation, micronuclei, fragment, bridges, nuclear bursting, giant cell, polyploidy etc. Use of such artificial dye for colouring the consumables warrants serious consideration.