Detection of Mutagenic Properties of Pesticides Used in Commercial Corn Production

摘要

This project encompassed the analysis of 21 pesticides and 12 combinations of herbicides for their genotoxic properties. Three genetic assays were employed: reverse mutation in Salmonella typhimurium, gene conversion in S. cerveisiae and reverse mutation in Z. mays. The use of these genetic indicator organisms established a comprehensive data base that resolved a spectrum of genetic damage induced by single agents or by combination of agents. The pesticides were evaluated with the microbial assays directly, after in vitro mammalian microsomal activation and after in vivo plant activation protocols. Finally all the pesticides were tested for their ability to induce mutations in Z. mays under in situ (in field) conditions.