Assessment of the Genotoxic Effect of Pesticide (Profenophos and Cypermethrin) on Allium Cepa L. through Comet Assay

Pesticides are specially designed to control pests and help in increasing the yield of crops. This study aims to investigate the genotoxic effect of the major ingredients of commonly used pesticides (Profenophos and Cypermethrin) on Allium cepa L. in different regions of the province of Punjab, Pakistan. Profenophos and Cypermethrin pesticides are extensively used by local farmers. Six different dilutions of Profenophos and Cypermethrin pesticide ranging from, 0.5 ml/L, 1 ml/L, 1.5 ml/L, 2 ml/L, 2.5 ml/L and 3.0 ml/L were applied initially on seeds germination. Seeds grown in a 3.0 ml/L concentration showed a lower radical length percentage as compared to other dilutions. The radicle length of the 0.5 ml/L concentration was the same as in the control. Onion bulbs were grown in the sand to obtain roots later the onions were transferred into different dilutions of Profenophos and Cypermethrin for 72 hours. DNA was isolated through the modified CTAB method. The DNA damage was observed through the technique of comet assay. The tail DNA % (35.71±2.18) of the control group (simple tap water) was same as the tail DNA % (35.74±2.10) of 0.5 ml/L pesticide dilution. The moment of tail DNA % length showed that the DNA was damaged by the pesticide, The results indicated that the concentration of pesticides and exposure time have a deep effect on plants' growth and development. There is a need to highlight stricter regulations, sustainable agricultural practices, and consumer awareness regarding concentration.