Cytological Effects of Pesticides: XIV. Effect of the insecticide Dipterex “trichlorphon” on Vicia faba plant

The effects of the insecticide (Dipterex or trichlorphon) have been studied on: root-mitosis, meisosis and pollen viability of Vicia faba plants (var. Giza 2). 0.5% solution of pure “Dipterex is used in the present study. Root-treatment for four hours caused distinct decrease in the mitotic index indicating mitotic inhibition. Disturbed meta and anaphases (where the chromosomes spread irregularly in the cell) comprised the main type of the observed abnormalities: Lagging chromosomes and anaphase bridges were also observed. Vicia faba plants were sprayed at the flowering stage with the insecticidal solution once and twice for two successive days. The two treatments induced a significant percentage of abnormal PMCs/plant. The types of abnormalities observed in meiosis were the same as those observed in mitosis, except chromosome stickiness which was observed in a high percentage in meiosis only. The phenomenon of chromosome stickiness has been discussed.