Genotoxic Effects of Marshal in Allium cepa L.

The aim of this study is to investigate the c-mitotic effect of Marshal in the root tip cells of Allium cepa L. and whether it can induce the formation of micronuclei and other mitotic abnormalities. The roots of A. cepa were treated with 5x10-6, 10-5, 5x10-5 and 10-4 (v/v) final concentrations of Marshal for 2, 4 and 6 hours. Marshal significantly decreased the mitotic index (MI) at all treatment times and concentrations. However, the ratio of c-mitosis was significantly increased especially in the groups treated with Marshal for 2 hours. The maximum increase was shown in the root tip cells of A. cepa treated with 5x10-5 (v/v) final concentrations of Marshal for 2 hours. The formation of micronuclei and the ratio of the other mitotic abnormalities were also increased.