The cytogenetic effects of sodium salicylate on the root meristem cells of A lium sativum L.

Abstract

The cytogenetic effects of sodium salicylate were investigated in the root meristem cells of Allium sativum L. Young roots were treated with 0%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1% aqueous solutions of sodium salicylate for 2, 4, 6 and 8 h periods. Aberrations and dividing cells were determined from the root-tip squashes after a 24h recovery period. Sodium salicylate induced a significant increase in nuclear and chromosomal aberrations. This increase was dependent on both the treatment duration and the concentration of sodium salicylate. The observed aberrations consisted of micronuclei and fragments, nuclear degeneration, chromosome breakage, stickiness of chromosomes, spindle abnormalities, binucleate and polyploid cells. Sodium salicylate was also found to act as a mitodepressant.