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Journals / Trakya University Journal of Natural Sciences / 2026 / Volume: 27 Issue: 2

Potential protective role of liquid vermicompost against Kathon CG-induced cytogenotoxicity and DNA damage in Pisum sativum var. arvense L. root meristem cells

Burcu Yüksel(KOCAELI UNIVERSITY, KOCAELİ HEALTH SERVICES VOCATIONAL SCHOOL, DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL SERVICES AND TECHNIQUES, MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNIQUES PR. (EVENING EDUCATION))0000-0001-8691-6447
Duygu Aydın(KOCAELI UNIVERSITY, FACULTY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY, BIOLOGY PR.)0000-0003-0969-5171
Özlem Aksoy(KOCAELI UNIVERSITY, FACULTY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY, BIOLOGY PR.)0000-0003-4909-3562
Dilek Sezer(KOCAELI UNIVERSITY, FACULTY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY, BIOLOGY PR.)0009-0008-3448-381X
Pages
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Publication Date
2026-10-15
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

These findings demonstrate associations rather than experimentally validated mechanisms, and extend the evidence for LVC–mediated protection beyond simple recovery of mitotic activity, supporting the further evaluation of vermicompost-based biostimulants under biocide-induced stress.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

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Objective & Hypothesis:Background: Kathon CG is a widely used isothiazolinone-based biocide, and its release into agricultural soils and surface waters raises concerns regarding its potential cytogenetic effects on non-target plant species.
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Key Findings & Data:Methods: Seeds were exposed for 48 h to Kathon CG at the half-maximal effective concentration (EC50): EC50/2 (1.5 ml L−1), EC50 (3 ml L−1), and 2 × EC50 (6 ml L−1), with or without 10% (v/v) LVC.
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Conclusion & Impact:These findings demonstrate associations rather than experimentally validated mechanisms, and extend the evidence for LVC–mediated protection beyond simple recovery of mitotic activity, supporting the further evaluation of vermicompost-based biostimulants under biocide-induced stress.
🔬Design:Research Article
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Comet assay · chromosomal aberrations · genoprotection

Abstract

Background: Kathon CG is a widely used isothiazolinone-based biocide, and its release into agricultural soils and surface waters raises concerns regarding its potential cytogenetic effects on non-target plant species. Aims: This study evaluated the cytogenotoxic effects of Kathon CG and the potential protective role of Liquid Vermicompost (LVC) in root meristem cells of Pisum sativum var. arvense L. Methods: Seeds were exposed for 48 h to Kathon CG at the half-maximal effective concentration (EC50): EC50/2 (1.5 ml L−1), EC50 (3 ml L−1), and 2 × EC50 (6 ml L−1), with or without 10% (v/v) LVC. Cytogenetic endpoints, including mitotic index (MI) and chromosomal and nuclear abnormalities, were scored in at least 5,000 cells per group. Concurrently, DNA strand breaks were quantified in isolated nuclei using the alkaline Comet assay. Results: Kathon CG produced a severe, dose-dependent suppression of mitotic activity, with MI decreasing from 12.89% in the negative control to 1.20% at 6 ml L−1. This was accompanied by increased frequencies of chromosomal aberrations and lethal nuclear abnormalities (pyknotic nuclei and ghost cells), together with elevated DNA damage parameters, including % Tail DNA and Tail Moment. Co-application of 10% LVC partially restored the MI (to 7.68% at 6 ml L−1), markedly reduced severe nuclear lesions (pyknotic nuclei and ghost cells became almost absent, and the frequency of abnormal mitoses decreased by approximately 30–40%), and significantly reduced Comet assay parameters, particularly at the 1.5 ml L−1 dose. A mild increase in Comet assay parameters was also detected in the LVC-only control. as reactive oxygen species levels and antioxidant markers were not measured, this finding is tentatively interpreted as a low-amplitude, repairable response that may be consistent with the redox-priming activity reported for bioactive humic constituents. Conclusion: This study provides cytogenetic and single-cell electrophoretic evidence supporting a genoprotective role of LVC against Kathon CG-induced damage. These findings demonstrate associations rather than experimentally validated mechanisms, and extend the evidence for LVC–mediated protection beyond simple recovery of mitotic activity, supporting the further evaluation of vermicompost-based biostimulants under biocide-induced stress.

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Cite This Article

Yüksel, B., Aydın, D., Aksoy, Ö., Sezer, D. (2026). Potential protective role of liquid vermicompost against Kathon CG-induced cytogenotoxicity and DNA damage in Pisum sativum var. arvense L. root meristem cells. Trakya University Journal of Natural Sciences, Volume: 27 Issue: 2. https://doi.org/10.23902/trkjnat.2003687

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