Cytogenetic and biochemical effects of imazethapyr in wheat (Triticum durum)

Mitotic abnormalities, chromosomal behavior, and protein content in wheat (Triticum durum) due to imazethapyr (IM) treatment were determined. Wheat seeds (variety HI-8663) were exposed to 5 IM concentrations (0.5, 0.89, 1.58, 2.81, and 5 ppm) according to the between paper method, in laboratory conditions. The protein content in the root-shoot axis and endosperm decreased significantly with the dosage increase. Cytological observations showed that the mitotic frequency in the root meristematic cells decreased parallel to the increase in concentrations. Th e most common types of the observed anomalies were sticky chromosomes, lagging chromosomes, scattered chromosomes, chromatin bridges, and micronuclei. The results revealed that the herbicide IM could affect biochemical parameters, mitotic frequency, and chromosomal behavior in wheat seeds.