OBJECTIVE:

To analyze the genotoxic potential of an herbicide with flumioxazin using the Allium cepa bioassay.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The herbicide was tested in two concentrations: 0.5 g/L (as indicated for use) and 1.0 g/L (twice the recommended concentration). Distilled water was used as a negative control and 1% sodium benzoate as a positive cytotoxicity control.

RESULTS:

Toxicity effects were evidenced in both herbicide concentrations. Cytotoxicity effects were observed in the herbicide with flumioxazin at a concentration of 0.5 g/L, which showed a microscopic pattern equal to that of the positive control. The effects of genotoxicity were observed at both concentrations (0.5 g/L and 1.0 g/L) which resulted in chromosomal aberrations in cells, showing that the herbicide directly interferes with the cell cycle of vegetal onion cells.

CONCLUSION:

The herbicide with flumioxazin showed toxicity and genotoxicity in the analyzed concentrations and effects of cytotoxicity only in the concentration recommended for use.

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