The effects of CdC12 and Na2 SeO3, administered singly and in combination, were studied on cell division and chromosomal aberrations in root tip cells ofAllium sativum L. The frequency of dividing cells was reduced significantly and the number of chromosomal aberrations was enhanced significantly following combined treatment with Cd and Se as compared with treatment with the individual salts. The type of interaction and consequent effects on eytotoxicity depended mainly on the relative concentrations of the two salts used.
Allium sativum L. roots.
Materials and Methods
2.1. PLANT MATERIAL
Bulbs ofAllium sativum L. single clove variety, each weighing 2 to 4 g, procured in bulk from an established nursery, were chosen as test system due to their sensitivity to changes in environmental conditions (Kihlman, 1974).
2.2. TREATMENT WITH CdC1 z AND Na2SeO 3
Bulbs (10 in number) were kept with the roots immersed in Hoagland's solution pH 7 (control) or graded buffered Hoagland's solutions (pH 7), containing CdC12 and Na 2 SeO 3, separately or in combinations, for 24 hr at 30 + 2 Β° C. The solutions were also aerated artificially. The excised root tips were then washed with distilled water, and fixed * Author for all correspondence.