Mitotoxic effect of 2, 4-D and endosulfan in root meristems of Hordeum vulgare

The present study has been carried out to access the mito-toxic effect of various concentrations viz.0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1% of herbicide (2,4-D) and pesticide (Endosulfan) on root tips of Hordeum vulgare. In the present investigation, a comparative cytological study has been done to study the effects induced by 2,4-D and Endosulfan on root meristems and it has been found that both herbicide and pesticide induced various types of chromosomal abnormalities such as laggard, precocious movement, stickiness, bridges, scattering etc. at higher concentration. The results revealed that pesticide (Endosulfan) is more mitodepressive and chromotoxic as compared to herbicide (2, 4-D) as it resulted in high level chromosomal damage. Both have a dose dependent impact on the mitotic index. Scattering is the common chromosomal aberration prevalent among them.