Determination of genotoxicity of Fenaminosulf by Allium and Comet tests

Genotoxic effects of Fenaminosulf, fungicide and micro-biocide, were examined by using mitotic index (MI), mitotic phase, and Comet assay on the root meristem cells of Allium cepa. In the Allium root growth inhibition test, EC₅₀ value was firstly determined as 25 ppm and, 12.5 (0.5 × EC₅₀), 25 (EC₅₀) and 50 (2 × EC₅₀) ppm concentrations of Fenaminosulf were introduced to onion tuber roots. Distilled water was used as a negative control. All obtained data were subjected to statistical analyses by using SPSS 15.0 for Windows software. For comparison purposes, Duncan multiple range tests by using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed and p < 0.05 was accepted as significant value. While MI (except in 24 h at 12.5 and 50 ppm) and prophase index increased, metaphase, anaphase and telophase indexes decreased in all concentrations compared to control at each exposure time. A significant increase in DNA damage was also observed at the concentration of 25 ppm in 24 h, 25 and 50 ppm in 96 h by Comet assay.     

An investigation of the relationship between reproductive growth and yield loss in hazelnut

This study was carried out in Samsun during a 2-year period to examine the relationship between reproductive and yield loses in the ‘Tombul’ and ‘Palaz’ hazelnut cultivars. In hazelnuts, male and female flowering occur in winter after the breaking of inflorescence dormancy. In the present study, growth of the ovary of the hazelnut started in April and continued until mid-June. At the time of flowering the ovary did not form. The ovule growth showed a rapid increase at the end of June. Change in the diameter of the ovary and ovule with time showed a simple sigmoid growth curve. Fertilization occurred during the period between mid-May and the beginning of June, namely, 3.5–5 months after pollination. At this time, the diameter of the nut was 9.54 mm. Twin kernel was not observed. The ratio of double kernels was close to zero. The time period from fertilization to harvest was 89 days in 1997 and 96 days in 1998 for Tombul cultivar. For the Palaz, this period was 84 days in 1997 and 86 days in 1998. The rate of pistillate flower clusters which dropped in April–May was more than those dropped in June–August.     

Effects of diazinon at different doses on rat liver and pancreas tissues

Diazinon is one of the most widely used organophosphates in agriculture. Toxic effects of diazinon are due to the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme needed for proper nervous system function. This study was designed to investigate the effects of diazinon at different doses on pancreas and liver tissues and in which dose level diazinon shows its effects. Sixty male Wistar albino rats were included in this study. Animals were initially divided into control and diazinon given groups. There were 10 animals in the control group and 50 animals in diazinon administered group. The latter was divided into five equal subgroups: 25, 50, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg of diazinon administered groups. Control group was given only saline. All animals in 300 mg/kg diazinon group died. After 24 h, rats were sacrificed under ether anesthesia. Tissue and blood samples were taken for biochemical and histopathological analysis. Sample tissues were examined under light microscope. In biochemical analysis, AST, ALT, LDH, amylase and lipase enzyme activities were measured. One-way ANOVA test was used to compare the groups. In 200 mg/kg diazinon given group, it has been observed some histopathological changes in pancreas and liver tissues. Cholinesterase activities were significantly decreased and alkaline phosphatase levels were increased in all diazinon given groups, when compared with the controls. There was statistically significant difference between the control and diazinon given groups by means of serum amylase, lipase, ALT and AST activities (p < 0.05). LDH activities were significantly increased in 100 and 200 mg diazinon given groups, when compared with the controls (p < 0.05). Histopathological changes were observed only in 200 mg diazinon given group. This evidence suggest that diazinon effect is dose dependent and this is possibly 10-15% of the LD₅₀ dose (200 mg/kg), which cause acute pancreatitis and histopathological changes in liver.     

Effects of suni-bug (Eurygaster spp.) damage on semolina properties and spaghetti quality characteristics of durum wheats (Triticum durum L.)

Effects of suni-bug (Eurygaster spp.) damage on semolina properties and spaghetti quality characteristics of durum wheats (Triticum durum L.) were investigated. The semolinas obtained from sound (control), medium damage (around 20%) and high damage (around 40%) samples of five durum wheat cultivars (cvs. Diyarbakir, Firat, Ege, Svevo and Zenith) were processed into spaghetti. As the bug damage level increased, Glutograph stretch values of all cultivars decreased significantly probably due to deteriorative effects of bug damage on gluten quality. Glutograph relaxation values and gluten spread values of the damaged samples were considerably higher compared to those of sound samples in all cultivars, due to proteolytic degradation. The breaking force of the uncooked spaghetti samples decreased significantly with increasing bug damage level indicating that they were susceptible to breakage and not suitable for handling, packaging and shipment. Panel tests indicated significant deterioration in sensory properties (stickiness, firmness and bulkiness) generally at the medium damage level.