A comprehensive assessment of indoxacarb on Allium test with viability parameters

Pesticides are used in agriculture to control various pests in order to increase crop yield. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxic effects of indoxacarb on Allium cepa L. root tip meristem cells. Following root germination, control and untreated experimental groups were established, while the treatment groups were exposed to increasing concentrations of indoxacarb for periods of 24, 48 and 72 hours. Following these exposure intervals, light microscopy was used to evaluate cellular death, chromosomal abnormalities and mitotic indices. Changes in antioxidant capacity in root tissues were measured by FRAP and TEAC analytical methods, while DNA damage assessment was performed using both Comet assay and RAPD-PCR methodologies. Several chromosomal abnormalities, including chromosome bridges, C-mitosis, micronuclei and improper chromosome segregation, were observed at higher concentrations and prolonged exposure times. Increasing indoxacarb concentrations caused a decrease in mitotic index values within 72 hours. FRAP and TEAC assays showed a decrease in the antioxidant capacity of stem cells in response to increasing indoxacarb concentrations. Furthermore, significant increases in tail DNA percentage and tail length were observed at all exposure times compared to the control group. RAPD-PCR analysis also revealed that indoxacarb caused genotoxic effects on genetic material 72 h after exposure. The findings indicate that increasing doses of indoxacarb lead to increased toxicity in all parameters. This study provides evidence of the cytotoxic and mutagenic potential of indoxacarb, highlighting the potential risks associated with its uncontrolled use in the environment and its harmful effects on living organisms.