Effects of Bayluscide on Mitosis in Root Tip Cells of Allium cepa L.

A common practice among farmers is to spray pesticides on crops in order to protect them from herbivores to have an abundant production of crops. The purpose of this study was to find out the effects of Bayluscide on cell division in root tip cells of onions (Allium cepa). The study uses the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), consisting of one control group and four experimental groups that were replicated thrice. Fifteen healthy onion bulb roots were used and subjected to 0%, 2%, 6%, 10%, and 14% concentrations of Bayluscide and distilled water. Excised root tips were prepared for slides, and cytological changes were examined under the microscope. The cells counted and observed were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Duncan Multiple Range Test, and Mitotic Index. As reflected in the result, there was a significant decrease in cells undergoing cell division as the treatment concentration increased. Cells at the interphase stage increased in number as the concentration increased during the prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase showed a marked decrease in number. Cytological abnormalities noted were shrunken and a broken nucleus.