Studies on the effect of maleic hydrazide on root tip cells and pollen fertility in Trigonella foenum-graecum L

In the present investigation, the effect of maleic hydrazide (MH) has been studied on seed germination, mitosis, and pollen fertility of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. to test its cytotoxicity. Six different concentrations (0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03% 0.04%, 0.05%, and 0.06%) of maleic hydrazide (MH) were given at seed level. The abnormalities noticed were both physiological and clastogenic. Fragments, stickiness of chromosomes, univalents, multivalents, and anaphase bridges were the most frequent abnormalities. The decrease in seed germination and pollen fertility was found significant at 0.05 level. Mitotic index reduced gradually as the concentrations of Maleic Hydrazide increased and it was found significant at 0.01 and 0.05 levels.