Evaluation of Genotoxic Potential of Microwave Electromagnetic Field in Onion (Allium Cepa)

Allium cepa seeds were exposed to 900 MHz EMF in GTEM cell at four different field strengths (10, 23, 41 and 120 Vm ^-1) for 2 h. The effect of longer exposure time (4 h) and modulation was also investigated. Germination rate and root length did not change significantly after EMF exposure. However, EMF at higher strengths (41 and 120 V m ^-1) and with modulation as well as longer exposure significantly increased mitotic index compared to corresponding controls. Percentage of mitotic abnormalities, mainly consisting of laggards, anaphase bridges, C-mitosis, vagrants and unequal distribution, increased at all given field conditions.