Toxic effect of bendiocarb on Allium cepa L. root tip meristem cells

Today, there is an increase in food consumption in proportion to the increase in population. In modern agriculture, pesticides are used to control pests such as insects, weeds, microorganisms and to increase crop yield. In this study, the toxicity of Bendiocarb on Allium cepa L. root tip meristem cells was evaluated. For the control and application groups, germination was done for 24 hours. No chemicals were applied to the 1st group (control group). In the second group (administration group), Bendiocarb was administered in increasing doses over time periods of 24, 48 and 72 hours. Chromosome aberrations, cell viability, and mitotic index in the roots obtained from all groups at the end of different application times were determined using light microscopy. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level and antioxidant defense system enzymes in Bendiocarb control and administration groups; superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities were evaluated using spectrophotometer. While a decrease was observed in antioxidant enzyme activities, an increase was observed in the amount of MDA. DNA damage was assessed using RAPD-PCR and Comet assay. Tail length and percentage of tail DNA showed a significant increase at the end of all exposure times when comparing the treatment groups and the control group. The toxic effect of Bendiocarb was determined by examining the band formations with the RAPD-PCR method. Chromosomal aberrations were observed with increasing dose concentrations and at longer exposure times. At the same time, reductions in mitotic index values occurred as a result of 72 hours of application of Bendiocarb. As a result, in this study, the mutagenic potential and cytotoxic effect of Bendiocarb were tested and it is thought that it will form a basis for other studies.