Allium test - some questions

Abstract

The paper concerns some problems connected with the experiments with the use of the Allium test. The variation degree of the material analysed is also presented. For the sake of standard experiments using the Allium test, it is suggested to grow onion bulbs in deionized water or in Hoagland nutrient. Taking as an example the lead compounds, the paper proves that the kind of water which has been used to prepare the analyzed solution affects significantly the toxicity level of the tested compound. This may be the reason why the results of experiments made by various researchers are incomparable. The differences in metabolism between individual roots are studied as well, both in the control and the exprimental materials. Eventually, it is suggested that the roots of each bulb should be treated individually in all Allium test experiments. The presented approach largely increases accuracy and repeatability of the Allium test results.