Exposure of Vicia faba to sulcotrione pesticide induced genotoxicity

Potential genotoxicity of sulcotrione 2-(2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)benzoyl)-1,3-cyclohexanedione, a selective triketonic herbicide was evaluated on Vicia faba seedlings in hydroponic culture conditions. Sulcotrione (10(-5), 10(-4) and 2 x 10(-4) M) treatments for 45 h, caused a dose dependent increase in micronuclei frequencies in root meristematic cells. Cytological analysis of root tips cells showed aneugenic effects of the sulcotrione on the plant root meristems. Sulcotrione induced chromosomal alterations at the lowest concentration used (10(-5) M) when incubated for 42 h, indicating the potent mutagenic effect of this element. This is the first report for the genotoxicity of such a sulcotrione herbicide. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved