TOXIC EFFECT OF TENDER AND FERMENTED RIPE BETEL NUTS ON ROOT-GROWTH AND ROOT-TIP CELLS OF ALLIUM-CEPA

The toxic effect of aqueous extract of fresh (BNE(1)) and fermented (B NE(2)) betal nuts was studied employing mollified Allium test. Toxic e ffect of both the extracts on the root growth of Allium bulbs was obse rved. EC(50) values were 0.024% and 0.030% for BNE(1) and BNE(2) respe ctively. Brown colouration of roots was observed. Crochet hooks were d istinct in BNE(1). Mitotic indices were lower than the control except in 0.01% concentration of BNE(2). Sticky chromosomes, C-mitosis, vagra nt chromosomes and fragment/micronuclei were also noted. The study ind icates higher toxicity of fresh betel nuts than that of fermented one.