The insecticide spirotetramat may induce cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on meristematic cells of Allium cepa L. and Vicia faba L.

Spirotetramat (SPT) is a new insecticide derivative of tetronic acid used extensively in agriculture to enhance the protection of major food crops against scales and aphids. This study aims to determine SPT's cytotoxic and genotoxic effects using two model plants, Allium cepa and Vicia faba. This evaluation consists of studying the root growth, morphology, and color and the parameters of mitotic index (MI) and chromosome aberrations (CAs) as accurate toxicity markers. Our results showed a significant decrease in mean root length in A. cepa from the 0.0025% concentration. In contrast, a substantial reduction in mean root length in V. faba was recorded only at the 0.02% concentration. Furthermore, the MI was decreased proportionally with increasing concentration and time of exposure to SPT. A significant increase in CAs was observed in A. cepa and V. faba from the 0.0025% concentration after 24 h of treatment. The substantial reduction in MI and abundance of CAs indicated strong genotoxicity of SPT. From the data obtained, it can be concluded that SPT could be absorbed by the exposed plant or other non-target organisms in the proximity, causing damage to agricultural plants, affecting their genomes, and harming the environment.

Automated summary

This study investigates the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of Spirotetramat (SPT), a derivative of tetronic acid insecticide, using Allium cepa and Vicia faba as model plants. The results show that SPT has a significant impact on root growth, mitotic index, and chromosome aberrations in both plants. The findings suggest that SPT could potentially harm the genomes of agricultural plants and have negative environmental effects.