Cytological Responses of Dimethoate, Lambda-Cyhalothrin, and their Combination on Pollen Grain Cells: Implications for Plant Reproduction and Development

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of Dimethoate (A), Lambda-Cyhalothrin (B), and their combination (A+B) on pollen grain cells in the soil at various concentrations. Results indicate significant alterations in exine thickness, pollen grain circumference, and pollen grain width, with the lowest exine thickness observed in soil treated with a combination of Dimethoate and Lambda-Cyhalothrin (A+B) at 10mL/L. Dimethoate (A) at 40mL/L increased exine thickness, while Lambda-Cyhalothrin (B) and the combination (A+B) enhanced pollen grain size and circumference. Pollen grain width was largest in soils treated with Lambda-Cyhalothrin (B) at 10mL/L. Additionally, cellular abnormalities, including stickiness, surface deformation, shrinkage, irregular shapes, and size variation, increased with an increase in pesticide concentration. Dimethoate (A) induced the most severe cellular abnormalities, particularly at 50mL/L, with a peak of 31% abnormal cells, compared to 27.3% in Lambda-Cyhalothrin (B) and 20.5% in the combination (A+B). These findings suggest a dose-response relationship between pesticide concentration and cellular disruption. The study emphasizes the potential cytotoxic effects of Dimethoate and Lambda-Cyhalothrin on plant reproduction and development, highlighting the need for sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate pesticide-induced harm. Further research is necessary to explore the molecular mechanisms of these cytological changes and develop strategies to minimize pesticide toxicity in crops.

Keywords: Cytology; Cowpea; Pesticides; Pollen grain