Comparative Genotoxicity of Herbicide Ingredients Glyphosate and Atrazine on Root Meristem of Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench)

Herbicides have been extensively used in agriculture but people have not concerned about its adverse effects on plants and animals. The aim of the present study is to analyze the detrimental effects of two herbicides in Fagopyrum esculentum Moench (Variety: VL-7). The root tips were treated with four concentrations viz. 50, 100, 150 and 200 ppm of glyphosate and atrazine at room temperature for 3 hrs. Mitotic indices and chromosomal anomalies were calculated. It was observed that both the herbicides induced different types of chromosomal abnormalities comprising of scattering, precocious movement, stickiness, bridges, laggard etc. along with the increasing doses of herbicides. Scattering and stickiness are most prevalent abnormalities among others. The effect of glyphosate was more toxic than atrazine in the root meristem of Fagopyrum esculentum.