Vicia Faba Seedlings Research Articles

Alleviation of Drought Stress in Vicia faba by Seed Priming with Ascorbic Acid or Extracts of Garlic and Carrot

THIS STUDY was carried out to assess the harmful effects of drought stress on Vicia faba L. (cv. Giza 716) and to evaluate the role of priming of the seeds in the extract of carrot root, garlic cloves or in ascorbic acid in the alleviation of these harmful effects. Fourteen days old Vicia faba seedlings grown from primed seeds were subjected to water withholding for 14 days (D1) or 22 days (D2), then left to grow till 40 days. The results revealed that the two levels of drought stress significantly decreased shoot height, fresh and dry masses and water content of root and shoot, as well as leaf area, but they increased root length of 40-days-old plants. Photosynthetic pigments (chl a and chl b), chlo a/chl b ratio, photosynthetic activity, sucrose and starch content were also decreased under the effect of both periods of drought stresses. On the other hand, carotenoid contents, the activities of catalase and peroxidase, ascorbic acid, malondialdehyde (MDA), glucose and total soluble protein contents were increased in leaves. Priming of Vicia faba seeds with the extracts of carrot root (Daucus carota L.), garlic cloves (Allium sativum L.) or with ascorbic acid mitigated all of the recorded harmful effects of drought stress,while they decreased carotenoids, activities of catalase and peroxidase, ascorbic acid, MDA, glucose and total soluble protein contents.

Ameliorative effect of Yeast Extract, IAA and Green-synthesized Nano Zinc Oxide on the Growth of Cu-stressed Vicia faba Seedlings

T HE EFFECT of CuSO4 stress on some growth parameters and some metabolites in 14-day-old Vicia faba seedlings was studied. Irrigation with 150 mM CuSO4 resulted in remarkable reduction in root length, shoot height, fresh and dry weights of root and shoot, leaf area and photosynthetic pigments (Chl a, Chl b and carotenoids), while it raised Chl a/b ratio. Total soluble carbohydrates and protein contents were significantly depleted under Cu treatment. The ameliorative role of seed priming with different concentrations of yeast extract (25, 50, or 100 %), IAA (0.1, 0.3, 0.5 mM), or the green-synthesized Nano zinc oxide with average size 61 (nm) prepared from leaf extract of Coriandrum sativum (10, 50, 100 ppm) for different periods (6 and10h for yeast and IAA, 3 and 6h for Nano ZnO were studied. Results revealed that seed priming with 50% yeast or 0.1 mM IAA for 10h showed a remarkable increase in the measured growth criteria, chla, chl b, soluble carbohydrates and proteins but diminished chl a/b ratio compared with the Cu stress treatment. Seed priming with 100 ppm Nano ZnO for 6 h exhibited the most effective treatment in mitigating the harmful effects of Cu stress on growth criteria, Chla, Chl b, soluble carbohydrates and proteins.

Mapping of the spatial distribution of silver nanoparticles in root tissues of Vicia faba by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS)

The manuscript presents a procedure for optimal sample preparation and the mapping of the spatial distribution of metal ions and nanoparticles in plant roots using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) in a double-pulse configuration (DP LIBS) in orthogonal reheating mode. Two Nd:YAG lasers were used; the first one was an ablation laser (UP-266 MACRO, New Wave, USA) with a wavelength of 266nm, and the second one (Brilliant, Quantel, France), with a fundamental wavelength of 1064nm, was used to reheat the microplasma. Seedlings of Vicia faba were cultivated for 7 days in CuSO4 or AgNO3 solutions with a concentration of 10µmoll−1 or in a solution of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with a concentration of 10µmoll−1 of total Ag, and in distilled water as a control. The total contents of the examined metals in the roots after sample mineralization as well as changes in the concentrations of the metals in the cultivation solutions were monitored by ICP-OES. Root samples embedded in the TissueTek medium and cut into 40µm thick cross sections using the Cryo-Cut Microtome proved to be best suited for an accurate LIBS analysis with a 50µm spatial resolution. 2D raster maps of elemental distribution were created for the emission lines of Cu(I) at 324.754nm and Ag(I) at 328.068nm. The limits of detection of DP LIBS for the root cross sections were estimated to be 4pg for Cu, 18pg for Ag, and 3pg for AgNPs. The results of Ag spatial distribution mapping indicated that unlike Ag+ ions, AgNPs do not penetrate into the inner tissues of Vicia faba roots but stay in their outermost layers. The content of Ag in roots cultivated in the AgNP solution was one order of magnitude lower compared to roots cultivated in the metal ion solutions. The significantly smaller concentration of Ag in root tissues cultivated in the AgNP solution also supports the conclusion that the absorption and uptake of AgNPs by roots of Vicia faba is very slow. LIBS mapping of root sections represents a fast analytical method with sufficient precision and spatial resolution that can provide very important information for researchers, particularly in the fields of plant science and ecotoxicology.

Calcium improves apoplastic-cytosolic ion homeostasis in salt-stressed Vicia faba leaves.

Salinity disturbs both apoplastic and cytosolic Ca2+ and pH ([Ca2+]apo, [Ca2+]cyt, pHapo and pHcyt) homeostasis, and decreases plant growth. Seedlings of Vicia faba L. cv. Fuego were cultivated in hydroponics for 7 days under control, salinity (S), extra Ca (Ca) or salinity with extra Ca (S+Ca) conditions. The [Ca2+]apo, and pHapo in the leaves were then recorded in parallel by a pseudoratiometric method, described here for the first time. Lower [Ca2+]apo and higher pHapo were obtained under salinity, whereas extra Ca supply increased the [Ca2+]apo and acidified the pHapo. Moreover, the ratiometric imaging recorded that [Ca2+]cyt and pHcyt were highest in S+Ca plants and lowest in control plants. After all pretreatments, direct addition of NaC6H11O7 to leaves induced a decrease in [Ca2+]apo in control and S+Ca plants, but not in S and Ca plants, and only slightly affected pHapo. Addition of NaCl increased [Ca2+]cyt in protoplasts from all plants but only transiently in protoplasts from S+Ca plants. Addition of NaCl decreased pHcyt in protoplasts from Ca-pretreated plants. We conclude that Ca supply improves both apoplastic and cytosolic ion homeostasis. In addition, NaC6H11O7 probably causes transport of Ca from the apoplast into the cytosol, thereby leading to a higher resting [Ca2+]cyt.

Biological responses of Vicia faba seedlings to the imidazolium-based ionic liquid 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride in soil.

Although there are a few studies on the toxicity of ionic liquids (ILs), relatively little is known about their toxic effects on plants in soil. In the present study, the toxic effects of 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Hmim]Cl) in the soil on Vicia faba seedlings and the influences of [Hmim]Cl on the physicochemical properties of the soil were studied. Organic matter content, pH, and conductivity of the tested soil were significantly altered at [Hmim]Cl concentrations greater than 1000 mg kg(-1) . Moreover, shoot length, root length, dry weight, and pigment content of the V. faba seedlings were greatly inhibited when the [Hmim]Cl concentration was greater than 500 mg kg(-1) . The roots were the most seriously affected organ and stopped growing at 3000 mg kg(-1) . In addition, [Hmim]Cl caused an increase in the level of reactive oxygen species at [Hmim]Cl concentrations above 250 mg kg(-1) that resulted in lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and oxidative stress in the V. faba seedlings. The present study provides information that is useful for evaluation of the environmental safety of ILs in soil. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1502-1510. © 2015 SETAC.

Phytotoxicity of imidazolium-based ILs with different anions in soil on Vicia faba seedlings and the influence of anions on toxicity.

To evaluate the toxic effects of ionic liquids (ILs) in soil on plants at the molecular and cellular levels and to assess the influence of anions on IL toxicity, the toxic effects of 1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Demim]Cl), 1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([Demim]Br) and 1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium nitrate ([Demim]NO3) in soil on Vicia faba (V. faba) seedlings were studied for the first time. Our results show that these ILs had little impact on the growth of V. faba seedlings at 1, 5 and 25 mg kg(-1); however, the shoot length, root length, dry weight and pigment contents of the seedlings were significantly affected at 50 mg kg(-1). Furthermore, the EC50 values for effects of [Demim]Cl, [Demim]Br and [Demim]NO3 on the shoot length, root length and dry weight induced were consistent, indicating that the anion may have little influence on IL toxicity. ROS levels were also significantly enhanced at 50 mg kg(-1), resulting in cellular lipid peroxidation, DNA damage and oxidative damage.

Biochemical toxicity and DNA damage of imidazolium-based ionic liquid with different anions in soil on Vicia faba seedlings.

In the present study, the toxic effects of 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Omim]Cl), 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([Omim]Br) and 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Omim]BF4) in soil on Vicia faba (V. faba) seedlings at 0, 100, 200, 400, 600 and 800 mg kg−1 were assessed for the first time at the cellular and molecular level. Moreover, the toxicity of these three ionic liquids (ILs) was evaluated, and the influence of anions on the toxicity of the ILs was assessed. The results showed that even at 100 mg kg−1, the growth of V. faba seedlings was inhibited after exposure to the three ILs, and the inhibitory effect was enhanced with increasing concentrations of the three ILs. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was increased after exposure to the three ILs, which resulted in lipid peroxidation, DNA damage and oxidative damage in the cells of the V. faba seedlings. In addition, the anion structure could influence the toxicity of ILs, and toxicity of the three tested ILs decreased in the following order: [Omim]BF4 > [Omim]Br > [Omim]Cl. Moreover, oxidative damage is the primary mechanism by which ILs exert toxic effects on crops, and ILs could reduce the agricultural productivity.

Exposure to 915 MHz radiation induces micronuclei in Vicia faba root tips.

The increasing use of mobile phones and wireless networks raised a great debate about the real carcinogenic potential of radiofrequency-electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure associated with these devices. Conflicting results are reported by the great majority of in vivo and in vitro studies on the capability of RF-EMF exposure to induce DNA damage and mutations in mammalian systems. Aimed at understanding whether less ambiguous responses to RF-EMF exposure might be evidenced in plant systems with respect to mammalian ones, in the present work the mutagenic effect of RF-EMF has been studied through the micronucleus (MN) test in secondary roots of Vicia faba seedlings exposed to mobile phone transmission in controlled conditions, inside a transverse electro magnetic (TEM) cell. Exposure of roots was carried out for 72h using a continuous wave (CW) of 915 MHz radiation at three values of equivalent plane wave power densities (23, 35 and 46W/m(2)). The specific absorption rate (SAR) was measured with a calorimetric method and the corresponding values were found to fall in the range of 0.4-1.5W/kg. Results of three independent experiments show the induction of a significant increase of MN frequency after exposure, ranging from a 2.3-fold increase above the sham value, at the lowest SAR level, up to a 7-fold increase at the highest SAR. These findings are in agreement with the limited number of data on cytogenetic effects detected in other plant systems exposed to mobile phone RF-EMF frequencies and clearly show the capability of radiofrequency exposure to induce DNA damage in this eukaryotic cell system.

Aberration of mitosis by hexavalent chromium in some Fabaceae members is mediated by species-specific microtubule disruption

Because the detrimental effects of chromium (Cr) to higher plants have been poorly investigated, the present study was undertaken to verify the toxic attributes of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] to plant mitotic microtubules (MTs), to determine any differential disruption of MTs during mitosis of taxonomically related species and to clarify the relationship between the visualized chromosomal aberrations and the Cr(VI)-induced MT disturbance. For this purpose, 5-day-old uniform seedlings of Vicia faba, Pisum sativum, Vigna sinensis and Vigna angularis, all belonging to the Fabaceae family, were exposed to 250 μM Cr(VI) supplied as potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇) for 24, 72 and 120 h and others in distilled water serving as controls. Root tip samples were processed for tubulin immunolabelling (for MT visualization) and DNA fluorescent staining (for chromosomal visualization). Microscopic preparations of cell squashes were then examined and photographed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Cr(VI) halted seedling growth turning roots brown and necrotic. Severe chromosomal abnormalities and differential disturbance of the corresponding MT arrays were found in all mitotic phases. In particular, in V. faba MTs were primarily depolymerized and replaced by atypical tubulin conformations, whereas in P. sativum, V. sinensis and V. angularis they became bundled in a time-dependent manner. In P. sativum, the effects were milder compared to those of the other species, but in all cases MT disturbance adversely affected the proper aggregation of chromosomes on the metaphase plate, their segregation at anaphase and organization of the new nuclei at telophase. Cr(VI) is very toxic to seedling growth. The particular effect depends on the exact stage the cell is found at the time of Cr(VI) entrance and is species-specific. Mitotic MT arrays are differentially deranged by Cr(VI) in the different species examined, even if they are taxonomically related, while their disturbance underlies chromosomal abnormalities. Results furthermore support the view that MTs may constitute a reliable, sensitive and universal subcellular marker for monitoring heavy metal toxicity.

Determination of genotoxic effects of fipronil in Vicia faba using random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis.

This study was undertaken to appreciate genotoxic potential of fipronil herbicides in the roots of Vicia faba seedlings. Fipronil was clearly dose dependent on root growth inhibitors, total soluble protein, and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assays. Increase in concentration of fipronil resulted in decreased amount of root length and increased level of protein. For the RAPD analyses, 15 RAPD primers were found to produce unique polymorphic band patterns and were subsequently used to produce a total of 110 bands of 45-1250 bp. Each primer generated 4-11 RAPD bands across 15 primers. The changes occurring in RAPD profiles following fipronil treatment included variation becoming evident as disappearance and/or appearance of DNA bands compared with the normal seedlings. These results indicated that genomic template stability was significantly affected at the above fipronil concentration. This study further confirmed that the RAPD assays are useful in determining potential genotoxicity of fipronil.

Effects of Humic Acid on Root Development and Nutrient Uptake of Vicia faba L. (Broad Bean) Seedlings Grown under Aluminum Toxicity

Interactions of humic acid with development and uptake by seedlings of Vicia faba L., (cv. Eresen 87) grown in conditions of aluminium toxicity have been investigated in pot experiments in a controlled greenhouse environment. The objective of the study was to investigate whether humic acid moderates aluminum toxicity. The seedlings were treated with solutions of aluminum chloride (AlCl3) prepared in Hoagland control nutrient solution (HO) and 50 and100 μM and humic acid + Hoagland (HA) solutions, respectively. The 50 and100 μM HA solutions increased root fresh (RFW) and dry (RDW) weights, where the RFW differed significantly from controls (HO) after statistical evaluation by NCSS (NCSS, Kaysville, Utah) with two-sample T-test range at the 5% level. The results of the current experiment suggested that humic acid had suppressed or counteracted the toxic effect of aluminum (Al3+) on both main and lateral root growth. Humic acid seems to block the effect of Al3+ on nutrient uptake, as tested by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) and flame photometery (FP). Al3+ content in the roots was significantly decreased by 219% in 50-μM HA and by 49% in 100-μM HA treatments respectively. Potassium (K+), sodium (Na+), and iron (Fe3+) were recorded as the other elements taken up in the greatest amounts among the tested nutrients, in addition to Al3+. Humic acid increased the contents of Na+, K+, manganese (Mn2+), and zinc (Zn2+) significantly in both concentrations of HA treatment compared to controls. The Fe3+ content in the roots decreased, in both treatments of HA, application by 252% and 32% respectively. The reduction in the former was significant.

The genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride in soil on Vicia faba seedlings

Although considered as “green” solvents, the toxic effects of ionic liquids (ILs) on organisms have been widely investigated in recent years. However, studies on the toxic effects of ILs on plants all focus on toxicity in nutrient solution. In the present paper, the toxic effects of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C4mim]Cl) on Vicia faba seedlings in soil at 0, 500, 1500, and 2500mgkg−1 on day 10 were studied. The present results showed that the growth of V. faba seedlings may be seriously inhibited when the IL concentrations were higher than 500mgkg−1. The EC50 values for shoot length, root length, and dry weight were 3886, 2483, and 3359mgkg−1, respectively. In addition, [C4mim]Cl caused lipid peroxidation and DNA damage at 500mgkg−1 and oxidative stress at 1500mgkg−1, which indicated that [C4mim]Cl may have genotoxicity and cytotoxicity on V. faba seedlings. Moreover, oxidative damage may be the main toxic mechanism of ILs.

Evaluation of arsenic effects in Vicia faba by FTIR and FTNIR spectroscopy

Arsenic is an ubiquitous and highly toxic metalloid widely distributed in the environment through both natural and anthropogenic pathways (Liu et al., 2004) and its presence in food composites is a matter of concerns to the well being of both humans and animals. In fact, As has been recently found in drinking water (network and groundwater) in some Italian regions, including Lazio (Central Italy), at concentration ranging between 25 and 80 μg L-1, higher than the limits set by law (10 μg L- 1) where Arsenic-contaminated groundwaters are often used in agriculture to irrigate crops for food and animal consumption; this determines that arsenic can enter human food chain. Inorganic or organic species of the metalloid arsenic occur in the environment. Either inorganic or organic As occurs in the environment and inorganic forms (iAs) are more toxic than the organic ones (oAs). Most of the human health effects of arsenic have been established based on epidemiologic studies, which have shown a significant association between the consumption of arsenic through drinking water and cancers of the skin, lung, bladder, liver, and kidney, neurologic disease, cardiovascular disease, as well as other non-malignant diseases. Arsenic is not an essential element for plants and its over-concentration in soils can generate toxicity phenomena. Its translocation from soil to plant constitutes one of the main human exposure ways. In this research we evaluated the effects of As exposure on Vicia faba seedlings by means of infrared (FTIR) and near infrared (FTNIR) spectroscopy to investigate molecular modifications caused by the interactions of plant with As. Both techniques showed relevant molecular modifications depending on As exposure. Molecular modifications evidenced by FTIR spectroscopy were mainly related to modified structures involving methyl groups of polysaccharides proteins and lipids, resulting better evidenced in meristem root samples. However, seconds derivative FTIR spectra did not show modification of the secondary structure of proteins. The molecular modifications shown by FTNIR spectroscopy were mainly related to the bands of hydroxyl groups with carboxylic and methyl groups, involving hydrogen bonds between carbohydrates and nucleic acids and lipids. These molecular and structural modifications are determined by the direct introduction of As within the plant biomolecules.

Physiological and biochemical defense reactions of Vicia faba L.–Rhizobium symbiosis face to chronic exposure to cyanobacterial bloom extract containing microcystins

The presence of cyanotoxins, mainly microcystins (MCs), in surface freshwater represents a serious health risk to aquatic organisms living in the water body, as well as terrestrial animals and plants that are in contact with contaminated water. Consequently, the use of MCs contaminated water for irrigation represents a hazard for cultivated plants and could induce severe economical losses due to crops' yield reduction. The experimental approach undertaken in this work was exposing Vicia faba seedlings (inoculated with a Rhizobium strain resistant to MCs), to water supplemented with cyanobacterial crude extract containing total microcystins at a concentration of 50 and 100 μg/L (environmental relevant concentrations of MCs dissolved in the raw irrigation water from Lalla Takerkoust Lake-Marrakesh region). After chronic MCs exposure (2 months), biological and physiological parameters (plant growth, nitrogen uptake, mineral assimilation, and oxidative defense mechanisms) were evaluated. The results obtained showed evidence that chronic exposure to cyanobacterial bloom extract containing MCs strongly affected the physiological and biological plants activities; reduction of dry matter, photosynthetic activity, nodule number, and nitrogen assimilation. At the same time, an increase of oxidative stress was observed, as deduced from a significant increase of the activities of peroxidase, catalase, polyphenoloxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia lyase in leaves, roots, and nodules of faba bean plants exposed to cyanotoxins, especially at 100 μg/L of MCs. This experimentation constitutes a simulation of the situation related to cyanotoxins chronic exposure of seedlings-plants via the contaminated irrigation water. For this reason, once should take into consideration the possibility of contamination of agricultural crops and the quality of irrigation water should be by the way monitored for cyanotoxins biohazard.

Molecular Modifications Induced by Inorganic Arsenic in Vicia faba Investigated by FTIR, FTNIR Spectroscopy and Genotoxicity Testing

Exposure to inorganic arsenic (iAs) through drinking water is a major public health concern affecting most countries. Epidemiologic studies showed a significant association between consumption of iAs through drinking water and different types of cancer. However, the exact mechanisms underlying As-induced cancer and other diseases are not yet well understood. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of exposure iAs (20 or 30 mg/L) on Vicia faba seedlings in terms of phytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and spectroscopy by investigation of molecular modifications using infrared (FTIR) and near infrared (FTNIR) spectroscopy. Further, the mitigation effects of a precursor of glutathione (GSH), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), were also assessed. Spectroscopic and genotoxicity analysis demonstrated that specific molecular changes were directly correlated with iAs exposure. Comet assay in Vicia faba showed significant effects at concentrations of 20 and 30 mg/L, depending on the structural changes involving nucleic acids as identified by FTIR and FTNIR spectroscopy. Results of phytotoxicity and micronuclei tests were significant only at higher iAs concentrations (30 mg/L), where an antioxidant effect of NAC was noted. The two spectroscopic techniques demonstrated molecular modifications predominantly associated with chemical interactions of iAs with biomolecules such as nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins in Vicia faba. Our findings suggest that further studies are required to better understand the mechanisms underlying toxicity produced by different As chemical forms in vegetal and agricultural species.

Nutritional Influence of Salt Stress on the Growth and Nodule Formation of Vicia faba

3 Abstract: Seedlings of Vicia faba were germinated and grown on moist filter paper in Petri dishes for about ten days. Seedlings of uniform size were then transplanted into pots containing garden soil and different NaCl treatments/EC values i.e 0.2 (control), 1.3, 2.4, 4.6, 9.1, 13.6, 18.0 and 22.5 mS/cm. Root and shoot lengths, their fresh and dry weights and root nodulation were recorded at different intervals after transplantation. Fresh and dry weight of shoot generally decreased with increasing NaCl levels in Vicia faba. Plants of treatment (control), 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 remain alive, their weight and length of shoot increased with the passage of time and the weight first increased and then decreased with increasing NaCl levels. Similar results were obtained for roots, but other die. In Vicia faba flowering and pod formation was negligible during first, second and third harvest at any treatment. Nodule formation was observed and the number of nodules per plant decreased with increasing NaCl levels. It was that increasing trends of salinity levels in Vacia faba caused a reduction in the growth of morphological characters and nutritional stress by decreasing in nodulation number and weight age.

Antioxidant and prooxidant effects of lanthanum ions on Vicia faba L. seedlings under cadmium stress, suggesting ecological risk

The present study combined chemical analyses and biological measurements to investigate biphasic effects of La on Cd stress in leaves of Vicia faba seedlings, which were hydroponically cultivated for 15 d in the combination of 6 µM CdCl(2) and 2 to 480 µM La(NO(3))(3), respectively. The results showed that contents of Cd first elevated above and then declined below the 6 µM single Cd treatment when 2 to 30 µM extraneous La were combined. Contents of mineral nutrients altered differentially and became imbalanced. No distinct band was observed in catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), or ascorbate peroxidase (APX) patterns, but in superoxide dismutase (SOD) isozymes by the supplementation with 8 to 480 µM of extraneous La. Superoxide dismutase and APX activities changed as a U-shaped curve; however, CAT and GPX changed as an inverted U-shaped curve along with increasing La. Moreover, heat shock protein 70 (HSP 70) production was reduced below the single treatment of Cd at 2 to 8 µM of extraneous La and enhanced thereafter. Thus, La at lower concentrations promoted antioxidation against Cd stress; La at higher concentrations turned to prooxidant effects, implicating potential ecological risk. Heat shock protein 70, combined with the antioxidant enzymes, constitutes an integrative defense system, which can be used to estimate the degree of antioxidation or prooxidation of extraneous La to Cd-induced oxidative stress in the seedlings.

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 2×10−4M) treatments for 45h, 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 (10−5M) when incubated for 42h, indicating the potent mutagenic effect of this element. This is the first report for the genotoxicity of such a sulcotrione herbicide.

Translational Neurodegeneration, a platform to share knowledge and experience in translational study of neurodegenerative diseases

Translational Neurodegeneration, a platform to share knowledge and experience in translational study of neurodegenerative diseases

Effects of arsenic on soil–plant systems

Arsenic is a highly toxic element and its presence in food composites is a matter of concern for the well-being of both humans and animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of arsenic on food vegetables and polluted soils. Vicia faba seedlings grown on polluted soils were used to evaluate the phytotoxic and genotoxic effects by comet assay. The results of these tests were dependent upon different types of soils. We studied different types of soils and contamination effects on Raphanus sativus L. and Lactuca sativa L. cropping by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). For both analytical approaches, we found indicators correlated to As contamination, chemical for NMR, i.e. modification of composition, and morphological for MRI, i.e reorganisation of internal tissues. Samples of vegetables were collected to analyse their micro- and macronutrient contents and level of metals using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) analysis, which confirms the results obtained by MRI.