Cytological Effects of Some Organophosphorus Pesticides

II. Meiotic effects

Abstract

The meiotic effects of eight organophosphorus pesticides (anthio, diazinon, dursban, ekalux, methylparathion, phendal, rogor and sumithion) were studied in barley (Hordeum vulgare L. CV. C164). Seed soak as well as spray treatments were conducted. Critical analysis of pollen mother cells (PMCs) of treated plants revealed chromosomal aberrations including multivalents and univalents, stickiness and despiralization at metaphase-I whereas chromatin bridges, lagging chromosomes and mis/non-orientation of chromosomes were observed at anaphase-I. The cyto/chromotoxic effects as observed by spraying the plants with various pesticides were same as above. However, the frequency of aberrant PMCs was comparatively less as compared to that of seed treated plants. The statistical analysis revealed that dose-response curve was linear and there existed a positive correlation between the concentration of the pesticide and the aberrations.