Effect of Elicitation with Iron Chelate and Sodium Metasilicate on Phenolic Compounds in Legume Sprouts.

Seven-day-old sprouts of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), lentil (Lens culinaris L.), and alfalfa (Medicagosativa L.) were studied. The legume seeds and then sprouts were soaked each day for 30 min during 6 days with water (control) or mixture of Fe-EDTA and sodium silicate (Optysil), or sodium silicate (Na-Sil) alone. Germination and sprout growing was carried out at temperature 20 ± 2 °C in 16/8 h (day/night) conditions. Phenolic compounds (free, ester, and glycosides) content were determined by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS using a multiple reaction monitoring of selected ions. Flavonoids and phenolic acids were released from their esters after acid hydrolysis and from glycosides by alkaline hydrolysis. The presence and high content of (-)-epicatechin (EC) in fenugreek sprouts was demonstrated for the first time. Applied elicitors decreased the level of free EC in fenugreek and alfalfa sprouts but enhanced the content of its esters. Besides, elicitors decreased the content of quercetin glycosides in lentil and fenugreek sprouts but increased the content of quercetin and apigenin glycosides in alfalfa sprouts. The applied elicitors decreased the glycoside levels of most phenolic acids in lentil and p-hydroxybenzoic acid in fenugreek, while they increased the content of this acid in alfalfa. The mixture of iron chelate and sodium silicate had less effect on changes in flavonoid and phenolic acid content in legume sprouts than silicate alone. In general, the used elicitors increased the content of total phenolic compounds in fenugreek and alfalfa sprouts and decreased the content in lentil sprouts. Among the evaluated elicitors, Optysil seems to be worth recommending due to the presence of iron chelate, which can be used to enrich sprouts with this element.

Role of cotton sticks biochar in immobilization of nickel under induced toxicity condition and growth indices of Trigonella corniculata L.

Among various heavy metals, nickel (Ni) is a potential pollutant that accumulates in broad-leaf vegetables and is reported to be carcinogenic. Biochar (BC) is a nutrient-rich and effective organic amendment for immobilization of Ni in soil. Fenugreek (Trigonella corniculata L.), a broad-leaf vegetable, is commonly cultivated due to its all-inclusive composition of nutrients such as calcium and iron and ß-carotene and vitamins. Therefore, a field-pot study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of cotton-sticks-waste biochar (BC) for soil immobilization of Ni in fenugreek crop cultivated between early-October to end-November 2015. Fenugreek was grown in a sandy-loam soil experimentally contaminated with various Ni levels (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg Ni kg-1 soil) under three BC levels (0, 3, and 5%; w/w). Overall, results showed increasing plant lipid peroxidation (assessed via malondialdehyde) and ascorbic-acid concentration with increasing Ni toxicity level without BC application (p ≤ 0.05). Application of 3% BC increased the chlorophyll a (20.0%), chlorophyll b (49.1%), total chlorophyll (27.6%), carotenoids (21.6%), anthocyanin (27.2%), photosynthetic rate (112%), transpiration rate (45.0%), and sub-stomatal CO2 concentration (19.9%) in fenugreek as compared to control (0% BC) under 50 mg Ni kg-1 soil. Higher BC application rate (5%) was more effective in increasing the chlorophyll a (33.6%), chlorophyll b (81.1%), total chlorophyll (43.9%), carotenoids (71.7%), anthocyanin (77.8%), photosynthetic rate (127%), transpiration rate (42.2%), and sub-stomatal CO2 concentration (23.5) over control under 100 mg Ni kg-1 soil. We suggest that the consistent increases in dry mass, carbon flux rate and, protein, amino acids, and sugar contents of fenugreek (cultivated in a soil toxified with Ni and amended with 5% BC) seems to be caused by the reduction in the mobility of Ni in the presence of BC in a sandy-loam soil.

CO2 treatment improves the hypocholesterolemic and antioxidant properties of fenugreek seeds.

A high level of serum cholesterol is a major cause of atherosclerosis. Fenugreek is a well-known hypocholesterolaemic agent with amazing phytochemical composition. Due to its impact on plant metabolism, CO2 enrichment was tested as a strategy to support functional values in fenugreek seeds. Phytochemical composition and biological activities of three fenugreek cultivars (G2, G6 and G30) grown under ambient (aCO2, 400 µmol mol-1) and elevated CO2 (eCO2, 620 µmol mol-1) were assessed. Applying eCO2 improved physical parameters of fenugreek seeds, and enhanced their biological activities. A significant increase in hypocholesterolaemic potential, as indicated by inhibition of cholesterol micellar solubility and pancreatic lipase activity, was recorded. In addition, antioxidant, anti-lipid peroxidation and antibacterial activities were improved. These enhanced biological activities were accompanied by improved seed chemical composition at the primary and secondary metabolic levels. Therefore, eCO2 treatment represents an efficient strategy to increase the hypocholesterolaemic, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of fenugreek seeds.

Reserve Mobilization, Membrane Damage and Solutes Leakage in Fenugreek Imbibed with Urban Treated Wastewater.

The study aimed to determine the impact of treated domestic wastewater on seed germination, seedling growth and reserve mobilization from Fenugreek (Trigonellafoenum graecum L.). Seeds were germinated by soaking in distilled water (H2O) or wastewater treated with various methods: activated sludge processes (T1), facultative lagoons treatment (T2) and dilution. Results show high levels of organic matter (OM), suspended solids (TSS) and nutrients in TWW (T2) than that of TWW (T1). The embryo length and biomass of fenugreek imbibed by TWW were higher in TWW (T2) compared with TWW (T1). There was more reduction in free amino acids and soluble sugar contents in fenugreek treated with TWW (T1) than treated by TWW (T2). Important solutes leakage is recorded by measuring electric conductivity during seed imbibition with TWW. Improving the quality of wastewater by dilution (50%) stimulated germination of seeds and the growth of the tested plant. Moreover, it significantly reduces the solutes leakage and enhanced seed metabolites accumulation.

A phytotoxic impact of phenolic compounds in olive oil mill wastewater on fenugreek "Trigonella foenum-graecum".

The objective of this study is the determination of the chemical structure of nine phenolic molecules responsible for the phytotoxic action on the germination of the plant species "Trigonella foenum-graecum". The phytotoxic action was evaluated by calculating the germination index of the plant species for a period of 5 days of incubation. The analysis of the physicochemical properties of phenolic molecules shows that hydrophobicity is a key factor in phytotoxicity. The sublethal concentration varies as follows: hydroquinone (0.91 mM), 4-aminophenol (0.85 mM), phenol (0.75 mM), gallic acid (0.59 mM), caffeic acid (0.56 mM), 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol (0,45 mM), quercetin (0.33 mM), oleuropein (0.3 mM), and catechol (0.13 mM). Phytotoxicity varies depending on the nature and position of the substituents on the aromatic ring. The reactivity of this type of molecule is partly linked to the presence of catechol function that can play the main role in phytotoxicity of the Fenugreek.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Induced Oxidative Stress and Changes in the Photosynthetic Apparatus in Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.).

The aim of this work was to study the toxicity of nanosheet zinc oxide nanoparticle with the size of 45 nm. The penetration of nanoparticles at an exposure by a localized spray does not make it possible to understand the mechanism of transport and bioavailability of the nanoparticles. In contrast, nanoparticles penetrated, via the roots, as a function of their diameter, the smaller ones having caused leaf stress (by translocation) at low concentrations. So that the choice of method of root application. Plants treated with 50 mg L-1 of ZnO-NPs presented disturbance in leaf due to changes in chlorophyll's biosynthesis. The highest value of the photosynthetic pigments was recorded at 5 mg L-1 of ZnO-NPs. However, the treatment with 50 mg L-1 of ZnO-NPs caused a decrease in the levels of chlorophyll a and b. Moreover, ZnO-NPs leaves significantly enhanced antioxidant enzymes activities.

Pesticide mediated oxidative stress induces genotoxicity and disrupts chromatin structure in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum - graecum L.) seedlings.

Here we report cytototoxic and genotoxic potentials of four commonly used pesticides, including, tricyclazole, thiabendazole (fungicides), plethora and slash-360 (insecticides) in the non-target tropical crop plant Trigonella foenum - graecum L. (fenugreek). Three different concentrations of the selected pesticides were used. For fungicides, 0.05% and for insecticides, 0.1% concentration represents recommended doses, while, 2X and 4X concentrations of the recommended dose were used to test their phytotoxic effects. Inhibition of germination and seedling growth were clearly observed at 4X concentration of the pesticides. Tricyclazole and plethora showed more pronounced effects than the other two agrochemicals. The pesticides, particularly at 4X concentrations clearly induced oxidative stress and cytotoxic effects in Trigonella seedlings with appreciable reduction in mitotic index, induction of chromosomal abnormalities in root meristematic cell and decreased level of accumulation of some key cell cycle regulators, including CDK1, CDK2 and Cyclin B1.Detection of accumulation of DNA double strand breaks and histone H2AX phosphorylation in pesticide treated seedlings have revealed direct genotoxic effects of the selected pesticides. Overall, our results provide insights into the mechanism of pesticide induced cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in plant genome with future implications for designing pesticides to minimize their deleterious effects on non-target crop plants.

Hydrolytic enzymes mediated lipid-DNA catabolism and altered gene expression of antioxidants under combined application of lead and simulated acid rain in Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) seedlings.

Understanding ill effects of simultaneous existence of various abiotic stresses, commonly observed due to various anthropogenic activities and global climate change these days, over plants growth, metabolic activity and yield responses are important for continued agricultural productivity and food security. In the present study, seedlings of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) were subjected to lead (Pb, 1200 ppm) and/or simulated acid rain (SAR, pH 3.5) for 30 days, and were then analysed. The results revealed reduced growth, and total lipid and DNA contents, while enhanced Pb accumulation, biological concentration factor, biological accumulation coefficient, translocation factor, lipase activity, and levels of free fatty acid, conjugated diene, lipid hydroperoxide, DNA oxidation and DNase activity under Pb and/or SAR exposure. Additionally, activities and gene expression levels of antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, guaiacol peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase) were enhanced in response to applied treatments. The results also suggested that inhibitions/ accelerations determined under joint addition of Pb and SAR were comparatively more profound than those measured under their single application. Additionally, root was more sensitive to Pb treatment, compared to both leaf and shoot. Hence, under simultaneous presence of two or more number of abiotic stresses, the strategy opted by plants for survival is chiefly governed by the interaction between prevailing stressors, which is then conceived by plants as a new state of stress.

Regulation of Mitochondrial and Cytosol Antioxidant Systems of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) Exposed to Nanosized Titanium Dioxide.

In the present study, the interactions between nanoparticle (NP) exposure, root application and plants were examined. NPs are potentially responsible for conformational changes in polysaccharides, lipids, proteins, pectin, suberin and lignin molecules. 4 days of treatment with metal oxide caused a statistically significant increase in nicotinamide adénine dinucléotide oxidase activity in mitochondria and cytosol. Following exposure to TiO2NP, even lipid peroxidation levels decreased in the mitochondria (leaves, stem and root) and in the cytosol (leaves and root), although it increased in the cytosol of the stem. Malondialdehyde accumulation was found to be higher in the cytosol compared to the mitochondria of stems, and in the cytosol of leaves and roots. NPs caused alterations in metabolism, antioxidant enzyme activities (guaiacol peroxidase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase) and the generation of oxidative stress. Effects caused by exposures to NPs were influenced by differences in metabolic responses in plant parts, plant compartments, the period of exposure and the NP doses.

Role of bulk and Nanosized SiO2 to overcome salt stress during Fenugreek germination (Trigonella foenum- graceum L.).

The effects of bulk and Nanosized SiO2 on seed germination and seedling growth indices of fenugreek under salinity stress were studied in the College of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, in 2013. The experimental treatments included 4 levels of salinity stress (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM), 2 concentrations of bulk (50 and 100 ppm), 2 concentrations of nanosized SiO2 (50 and 100 ppm), and control (without any SiO2 types). Seedling growth attributes significantly improved when bulk and nanosized SiO2 concentrations applied singly or with different levels of salt stress. However, they significantly declined with salt application. The adverse effects of salt on shoot, root and seedling lengths were alleviated by application of 50 ppm nanosized SiO2 treatment. Under salt stress condition, addition of 50 and 100 ppm nanosized SiO2 to fenugreek seeds increased shoot, root and seedling dry weights as compared to bulk SiO2 concentrations and control treatments, though 50 ppm nanosized SiO2 was more effective than 100 ppm nanosized SiO2 application. It was concluded that nanosized SiO2 improves growth attributes of fenugreek and mitigate adverse effects of salt stress.

Natural amelioration of Zinc oxide nanoparticle toxicity in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-gracum) by arbuscular mycorrhizal (Glomus intraradices) secretion of glomalin.

Owing to rising production and use of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in the myriad of consumer applications, ENPs are being released into the environment where their potential fate and effects have remained unclear. With naturally occurring arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF; Glomus intraradices) in soils, their influence (positive or negative) on ENPs toxicity in plants is not well documented. Herein, we investigated potential influence of AMF on the growth and development in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) under varied Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) treatments (0, 125, 250, 375 and 500 µg g-1). Results showed that in the absence of AMF, increasing ZnONPs concentrations caused significant decline in root nodule number and biomass in fenugreek. In non-AMF plants, shoot length, and biomass of both root and shoot decreased at ≥375 µg g-1 of ZnONPs treatment; while Zn uptake by shoot and root increased as a function of ZnONPs treatments. Interestingly, AMF colonization in roots significantly diminished at 375 µg g-1 ZnONPs treatment compared to controls. More importantly, AMF inoculation ameliorated inhibitory effects of ZnONPs by promoting secretion of glycoprotein called glomalin-a potent metal chelator-within the rhizosphere, which significantly reduced (by almost half) Zn uptake by root and subsequent translocation to the shoot. AMF inoculation (high glomalin secretion)-mediated low Zn uptake might have been stimulatory to promote root and shoot growth in fenugreek. The results highlight significant protective roles of rhizospheric AMF through glomalin secretion thereby ameliorating nanotoxicity in plants, and underscore the need to include soil-microbial interactions when assessing nanophytotoxicology and risks. Furthermore, potential positive implications to other organisms in the food chain can be inferred due to low tropic transfer of ENPs and/or associated toxic dissolved ions in the presence of naturally occurring soil fingi.

Phenolic profile, antioxidant capacity of five Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Willd provenances and their allelopathic effects on Trigonella foenum-graecum L. and Lens culinaris L. seeds.

The aim of this work was to evaluate some secondary metabolites, antioxidant activity of methanolic leaf extracts of five Ziziphus spina-christi provenances (INRGREF, Tozeur, Degueche, Nafta and Kebelli) and their allelopathic effects on Trigonella foenum-graecum and Lens culinaris. Leaves were collected during 2013 and 2014. Total phenols, flavonoids, tannins and antioxidant activity were evaluated using the Folin ciocalteux, Aluminum trichloride, vanillin and scavenging activity on 22-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical methods, respectively. Total phenols, tannins and flavonoids were present, at levels of 57.41 mg GAE/g DW, 31.98 mg RE/g DW and 14.68 µg CE/g DW, respectively. The high antioxidant activity (0.086 µg/mL) was noted in kebelli provenance (2013). The highest germination, plumule and radicle lengths of tested species were observed in INRGREF provenance. Z. spina-christi leaf extracts may be suggested in foods and pharmaceutical industries. Leaf extracts could also provide a natural herbicide with a positive impact on the environment.

Elicitation of Diosgenin Production in Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) Seedlings by Methyl Jasmonate.

The effects of methyl jasmonate (MeJA), an elicitor of plant defense mechanisms, on the biosynthesis of diosgenin, a steroidal saponin, were investigated in six fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) varieties (Gujarat Methi-2, Kasuri-1, Kasuri-2, Pusa Early Branching, Rajasthan Methi and Maharashtra Methi-5). Treatment with 0.01% MeJA increased diosgenin levels, in 12 days old seedlings, from 0.5%-0.9% to 1.1%-1.8%. In addition, MeJA upregulated the expression of two pivotal genes of the mevalonate pathway, the metabolic route leading to diosgenin: 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG) and sterol-3-ß-glucosyl transferase (STRL). In particular, MeJA increased the expression of HMG and STRL genes by 3.2- and 22.2-fold, respectively, in the Gujarat Methi-2 variety, and by 25.4- and 28.4-fold, respectively, in the Kasuri-2 variety. Therefore, MeJA may be considered a promising elicitor for diosgenin production by fenugreek plants.

Physiological responses of fenugreek seedlings and plants treated with cadmium.

The bioaccumulation efficiency of cadmium (Cd) by fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) was examined using different concentrations of CdCl2. The germination rate was similar to control except at 10 mM Cd. However, early seedling growth was quite sensitive to the metal from the lowest Cd level. Accordingly, amylase activity was reduced substantially on treatment of seeds with 0.5, 1, and 10 mM Cd. Cadmium also affected various other plant growth parameters. Its accumulation was markedly lower in shoots as compared to roots, reducing root biomass by almost 50 %. Plants treated with 1 and 5 mM Cd presented chlorosis due to a significant reduction in chlorophyll b especially. Furthermore, at Cd concentrations greater than 0.1 mM, plants showed several signs of oxidative stress; an enhancement in root hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) level and in shoot malondialdehyde (MDA) content was observed. Conversely, antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and catalase (CAT)) increased in various plant parts. Likewise, total phenolic and flavonoid contents reached their highest values in the 0.5 mM Cd treatment, consistent with their roles in quenching low concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Consequently, maintaining oxidant and antioxidant balance may permit fenugreek to hyperaccumulate Cd and allow it to be employed in extremely Cd polluted soils for detoxification purposes.

Toxicity assessment of effluent from flash light manufacturing industry by bioassay tests in Trigonella foenumgracum.

A rapid bioassay test was conducted to study heavy metal accumulation and biochemical changes in Trigonella foenumgracum (methi) irrigated with 25, 50, 75 and 100% of effluent from flash light manufacturing industry at 60 days after sowing. Total metal concentration in effluent samples was: Cr = 0.12 < Cd = 0.18 < Pb = 0.24 < Cu = 2.68 mg l(-1) whereas, metals were not detected in control. An increase in photosynthetic pigments of exposed plant was noticed up to 50% concentrations of the effluent followed by a decrease at higher concentration as compared to their respective control.An enhanced lipid peroxidation in the treated plants was observed, which was evident by increased level of antioxidants: proline, cysteine, malondialdehyde and ascorbic acid content. The treated plants accumulated metals in the following order: Cu > Pb > Cr > Cd in the roots and shoots.

Rhizobium tibeticum activated with a mixture of flavonoids alleviates nickel toxicity in symbiosis with fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.).

The objective of this study is to explore the response of an activated Rhizobium tibeticum inoculum with a mixture of hesperetin (H) and apigenin (A) to improve the growth, nodulation, and nitrogen fixation of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) grown under nickel (Ni) stress. Three different sets of fenugreek seed treatments were conducted, in order to investigate the activated R. tibeticum pre-incubation effects on nodulation, nitrogen fixation and growth of fenugreek under Ni stress. Group (I): uninoculated seeds with R. tibeticum, group (II): inoculated seeds with uninduced R. tibeticum group (III): inoculated seeds with induced R. tibeticum. The present study revealed that Ni induced deleterious effects on rhizobial growth, nod gene expression, nodulation, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and glutamine synthetase activities, total flavonoids content and nitrogen fixation, while the inoculation with an activated R. tibeticum significantly improved these values compared with plants inoculated with uninduced R. tibeticum. PAL activity of roots plants inoculated with induced R. tibeticum and grown hydroponically at 75 and 100 mg L(-1) Ni and was significantly increased compared with plants receiving uninduced R. tibeticum. The total number and fresh mass of nodules, nitrogenase activity of plants inoculated with induced cells grown in soil treated up to 200 mg kg(-1) Ni were significantly increased compared with plants inoculated with uninduced cells. Plants inoculated with induced R. tibeticum dispalyed a significant increase in the dry mass compared with those treated with uninduced R. tibeticum. Activation of R. tibeticum inoculum with a mixture of hesperetin and apigenin has been proven to be practically important in enhancing nodule formation, nitrogen fixation and growth of fenugreek grown in Ni contaminated soils.

Morphological and biochemical behavior of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) under copper stress.

The effects of copper on germination and growth of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) was investigated separately using different concentrations of CuSO4. The germination percentage and radical length had different responses to cupric ions: the root growth increased with increasing copper concentration up to 1 mM Cu²âº and was inhibited thereafter. In contrast, the germination percentage was largely unaffected by concentrations of copper below 10 mM. The reduction in root growth may have been due to inhibition of hydrolytic enzymes such as amylase. Indeed, the average total amylolytic activity decreased from the first day of treatment with [Cu²âº] greater than 1 mM. Furthermore, copper affected various plant growth parameters. Copper accumulation was markedly higher in roots as compared to shoots. While both showed a gradual decrease in growth, this was more pronounced in roots than in leaves and in stems. Excess copper induced an increase in the rate of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production and lipid peroxidation in all plant parts, indicating oxidative stress. This redox stress affected leaf chlorophyll and carotenoid content which decreased in response to augmented Cu levels. Additionally, the activities of proteins involved in reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification were affected. Cu stress elevated the ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity more than two times at 10 mM CuSO4. In contrast, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels showed only minor variations, only at 1 mM Cu²âº. Likewise, total phenol and flavonoid contents were strongly induced by low concentrations of copper, consistent with the role of these potent antioxidants in scavenging ROS such as H2O2, but returned to control levels or below at high [Cu²âº]. Taken together, these results indicate a fundamental shift in the plant response to copper toxicity at low versus high concentrations.

Ultrastructural evidence for AMF mediated salt stress mitigation in Trigonella foenum-graecum.

The study unveils that inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (Glomus intraradices Schenck and Smith) prevents salt-induced ultrastructural alterations in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) plants. Mycorrhizal (M) and non-mycorrhizal (NM) fenugreek plants were subjected to four levels of NaCl (0, 50, 100, and 200 mM NaCl). Salt-induced ultrastructural changes were captured using a Transmission Electron Microscope. Effects of salt on the ultrastructure of cells include shrinkage of protoplasm, widening apoplastic space between cell wall and cell membrane, disorganization of grana in chloroplast--swelling and reduction in the number of thylakoids, disintegration of chloroplast membrane, accumulation of plastoglobules, dilation of cristae and denser matrix in mitochondria, and aggregation of chromatin in nucleus. However, the extent of salt-induced ultrastructural damage was less in M plants as compared to NM plants. Lower lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage in M plants also indicated less membrane damage. This reduction of ultrastructure damage is a demonstration of enhanced tolerance in M plants to salt stress. The AMF-mediated lesser damage may be due to higher osmolyte (glycinebetaine, sugars) and polyamines concentration, and more and bigger plastoglobules (higher α-tocopherol concentration) in M plants as compared to NM plants. While lower Na(+) and Cl(-) ions assures less ionic toxicity, higher osmolytes and tocopherols ensure osmotic adjustment and better capacity to scavenge free radicals generated due to salt stress, respectively.

Glyphosate, alachor and maleic hydrazide have genotoxic effect on Trigonella foenum-graecum L.

In the present study effects of herbicides glyphosate (GP), alachlor (AL) and maleic hydrazide (MH) is studied on mitotic cells of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. Seeds of T. foenum-graecum L. treated with a series of concentrations ranging from 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4% and 0.5% for 1, 2 and 6 h and their effect on mitotic index and chromosomal aberrations was studied. The results indicate that these herbicides reduced mitotic index in dose-dependent manner. In addition, increase in the percentage of abnormal mitotic plates was observed in herbicide treated groups which was both concentration and time dependent. Commonly observed abnormalities were c-mitosis, laggards, bridges, stickiness, c-anaphase, precocious separation, un-equal distribution and fragments. The result of the present investigation indicates that commonly used herbicides GP, AL and MH have significant genotoxic effect on T. foenum-graecum plant.

Assessment of the efficacy of Aspergillus sp. EL-2 in textile waste water treatment.

Fungal biomass has the ability to decolorize a wide variety of dyes successfully through a number of mechanisms. A brown rot isolate, previously identified as Aspergillus sp. EL-2, was used in the aerobic treatment of textile waste water efficiently. In the current work, the treated waste water was tested chemically using more than one combined treatment. Microbial toxicity, phytotoxicity, genotoxicity and cytotoxicity were also studied to assess the toxicity level for each treatment. The obtained data suggest that the contribution of more than one mode of treatment is essential to ensure complete destruction of the by-products. The use of gamma irradiation (25 kGy) after the bioremediation step led to the decrease of the by-products of biodegradation as observed by visible spectrum and Fourier transfer infra red spectroscopy (FT-IR). The toxicity assessment presented variable results indicating the need for more than one toxicity test to confirm the presence or absence of hazardous compounds. Brown rot fungus could be used efficiently in the treatment of textile waste water without the risk of obtaining high carcinogenic or genotoxic compounds, especially if combined treatment is employed.