Title: Nucleoplasmatic index in meristematic cells of maize (Zea mays L.) as a tool in environmental bioindication

Authors: Erika Glasencnik, Andreja Urbanek

Addresses: ERlCo Velenje, Environmental Research and Industrial Cooperation Institute, Koroska 58, SI 3320 Velenje, Slovenia. ' Institut fur Pflanzenwissenschafen, Universitat Graz, Schubertstrasse 51, A 8010 Graz, Austria

Abstract: Test plants of maize (Zea mays L.) were exposed in pot experiments to air pollution at different locations in Slovenia for one vegetation period. Root tips were collected from the field after the period of four months. Digital image analysis was made, and a nucleoplasmatic index was calculated from the meristematic root tip cells of different test plants. Statistical evaluation of data demonstrated changes in the nucleoplasmatic index, in the cell area and in the area of nuclei of the maize plants. Therefore, we conclude that the nucleoplasmatic index can be affected by air pollution, and it can be used as a tool in environmental bioindication.

Keywords: air pollution; environmental bioindication; inter-phase; nucleoplasmatic index; Zea mays L; maize; Slovenia.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2007.015662

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2007 Vol.31 No.1/2, pp.42 - 55

Published online: 07 Nov 2007 *

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