Abstract
The hazardous potential of the Metosulam herbicide, particularly the cytogenetic and physiological effects on Vicia faba cv Assuit 25 plants has been studied. The results showed that the mitotic index (MI) decreased and chromosomal aberrations frequency increased by increasing of the concentration of herbicide and prolonging the duration of treatment. In the roots treated with highest concentration used (1 x 10(-5) %) for 24 h, complete inhibition of cell division was observed. The chromosomal anomalies include chromosomal bridges and breaks that are regarded were indicative of a mutagenic potential of the herbicide. Seedling growth (fresh and dry weight) adversely affected as the duration and concentration of Metosulam herbicide increased. Soluble sugars, soluble proteins, total free amino acids and photosynthetic pigment content decreased significantly in root, stem and leaves of Vicia faba with increasing both the herbicide concentration and treatment duration. In contrast, proline content was highly accumulated, especially at the highest concentration (10(-4) %) and the longest duration used (24 h). The results of antioxidant enzymes reveal that while the peroxidase activity decreased by increasing the concentration of herbicide and duration, the activities of catalase and ascorbate peroxidase increased.