CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITIES OF 3 HERBICIDES IN ROOT-TIP CELLS OF VICIA-FABA L

Cytotoxic activities of three herbicides viz. Butachlor, Benthiocarb a nd Fluchloralin were evaluated by employing chromosomal aberration ass ay in the root tip cells of Vicia faba L. var. J.L. 2. The three herbi cides induced considerably higher frequencies of abnormal mitotic divi sions which increased concomitantly with the concentration of the herb icides. The cytological changes induced were clastogenic (fragmentatio n of chromosomes and anaphase bridges), physiological (chromosome stic kiness) and turbagenic (lagging chromosome/chromatid, c-metaphase, pol yploid cells and disturbed anaphase). A comparision of percentages of abnormal mitotic divisions induced by the herbicides revealed greater toxicity of Fluchloralin as compared to Butachlor and Benthiocarb.