Cytological Effects of Solar Eclipse in Root Meristems of Plant Systems

Abstract

Cytological effects of solar eclipse (S⋅E⋅) of February 16, 1980, were investigated in root meristems of Allium cepa, A. sativum, Hordeum vulgate and Pisum sativum. The eclipse induced clastogeny mainly in the form of chromosome breakages, fragments at ana-telophase and fragmented nuclei. Other chromosomal aberrations included stickinesss, bridges, lagging chromosomes, lagging fragments, groupings, chromosome condensation and binucleate cells. Besides, S·E· also altered mitotic indices in all the test systems. With increase in the duration of recovery times a decrease in the frequency of aberrant cells was noticed. In combination treatments with cysteine, however, there was a sharp decline in the frequency of chromosomal anomalies and increase in the mitotic indices. Possible genetic implications of these results are discussed.