EFFECT OF CYANINE DYES ANALOGUES IN BREAKING DORMANCY AND THEIR MUTAGENIC EFFECTS IN GARLIC (ALLIUM SATIVUM L.)

The effect of the styryl and aza analogues of cyanine dyes on breaking period of dormancy and on induction of chromosome damage were investigated in cloves of garlic cvs. Balady and Chinese at six concentrations. The two compounds were found to be potent mutagenic agents with the aza analogue more effective than the styryl one. The two compounds proved to be efficient in breaking dormancy in both varieties of garlic at some concentrations. The percentage of cells with chromosomal aberrations was counted.