INFLUENCE OF THE LEAF EXTRACT, BIOPESTICIDE AND OIL OF NEEM (AZADIRACHTA INDICA A. JUSS.) ON TURNIP (BRASSICA RAPA L.) V. CYTOLOGICAL ATTRIBUTIONS

Leaf extract of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) and azadirachtin-based biopesticide cause a gradual decrease in mean number of chromocentres/nucleus (cfr) and pollen viability of turnip (Brassica rapa L.) from lower to higher concentrations in M1 generation. A further decrease in cfr is seen in M2 at all the doses. Considerable recovery occurs in pollen viability in M2, but not to the extent of control. Crude neem oil treatment causes significant increase in cfr and a decrease in pollen viability. A progressive increase in meiotic chromosome abnormalities is seen from lower to higher doses in M1 generation under all the three kinds of treatment. Meiosis becomes more regular in M2 than M1.