Influence of NaCl and PEG6000 Stresses on the Mitotic Chromosomal Biology of Bread Wheat Genotypes

Cytogenetic studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of NaCl and PEG6000 doses on cell division and chromosomal aberrations during the germination of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes. Cytotoxic effects of NaCl and PEG6000 were mainly observed in meristematic cells in all wheat genotypes. Both stresses had adverse effects on dividing cells in root tips of all wheat genotypes lead to induction of chromosome aberrations including micronuclei, multinuclei, sticky metaphase, c-mitosis, anaphase bridge and vagrant chromosome, which indicated their action on the mitotic spindle. Cytological examination revealed that both NaCl and PEG6000 doses causes positive clastogenic effect as eroded chromosomal surfaces. These data reveal that NaCl and PEG6000 doses were capable in interfering with chromosomes providing valuable information for understanding the effects of NaCl and PEG6000 stresses on cytogenetics of wheat plants.