Investigation of mutagenic effects of the pesticides Deltamethrin and Quizalofop-p-ethyl on root tip cells of Helianthus annuus L. (Sunflower)

In this study, the mutagenic effects of pesticides of Deltamethrin and Quizalofop-p-ethyl were investigated on root tip cells of Helianthus annuus L. The germinated seeds were treated with 0,25, 0,5, 1 and 2 ppm of Deltamethrin, 0,75, 1,5 and 3 ppm of Quizalofop-p-ethyl for 24, 36 and 48 hours. Depending on the increased dose and exposure time of Deltamethrin and Quizalofop-p-ethyl, inhibition in root growth, some morphological changes in the roots, suppression on mitosis and various chromosomal abnormalities in mitotic cells were determined. Significant decreases in cell division frequency of meristematic cells were observed. The most common chromosome abnormalities were stickness, disturbed chromatin in prophase, c-mitosis, chromatid bridges and laggard chromosomes. In addition, micronucleus formation was observed in almost all of the application groups. Mutagenity tests showed that Deltamethrin and Quizalofop-p-ethyl have mutagenic effect on sunflower.