Chromosomal Aberrations Induced by Pesticides in Meiotic Cells of Barley

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Abstract
The cytological effects of some common pesticides viz. Thiodan, Folithion, Kitazin and Lebaycid are investigated in barley. Their effect is compared with those of a well known chemical mutagen: MNNG. At metaphase-I, univalents and multivalents were noticed. The quadrivalents attributable to interchange were frequently noticed. A decrease in chiasma frequency was noticed on treatment with Kitazin and Thiodan. Anaphase-I was atypical in having unequal distribution, laggards and bridges. The persistent bridges and micronuclei were also noticed at telophases. The instances of failure of cytokinesis were also seen. Various pesticides did not seem to differ in their qualitative effects but th frequency of induced aberrations differed. The statistical analysis revealed that the frequency of chromosome aberration was the function of dose. A reduction in pollen fertility was noticed with all the pesticides.