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Cytogenetic effects induced by the fungicide Royal Flo to maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract The present study investigates the cytogenetic effects of the fungicide Royal Flo on mitotic cell division in maize (Zea mays L.) root cells. The maize grains were treated with various fungicide concentrations (50, 70, and 80%) for 20, 24 and 48 h exposure times. The results obtained indicate that the fungicide Royal Flo had some cytogenetic effects, by reducing the mitotic index and inducing various cytologic and chromosomal anomalies. These effects manifested differently, their intensity being proportional to the concentration and exposure time. The most frequent chromosomal anomalies were bridges, fragments and binucleated cells, but sticky chromosomes, rings chromosomes and cells with a micronucleus have also been seen. This study proves that the fungicide Royal Flo, even when administered in smaller quantities than generally recommended, reduces the germination and the mitotic index of maize cells and induces a large number of chromosomal anomalies, which suggests its toxic, mutagenic potential. Consequently, we should identify the optimal concentrations for each agricultural species, so that the efficacy of the fungicide does not diminish and, at the same time, its cyto-genotoxic potential is kept low.