Abstract
The genotoxic effects of electromagnetic fields of high voltage power lines were studied in 33 specimens of thirteen species belonging to seven angiospermic families, i.e. Commelinaceae, Convolvulaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Cyperaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Gentianaceae and Malvaceae. The plant specimens were collected from under the high tension lines of different intensities (66 kV, 132 kV, 220 kV and 500 kV). Collection of the same species as control specimens was made from areas where there was no electromagnetic field. The aspects studied were PMC meiosis, meiotic products and pollen fertility. The study showed that with the increase in voltages and strength of magnetic field, the meiotic abnormalities and pollen sterility also increased. During the study of PMC meiosis quite higher percentages of meiotic abnormalities were observed, such as stickiness, pairing disturbances, precocity, laggards, bridges and multipolar divisions etc. These abnormalities were found to be significantly higher in test plants as compared to their respective controls. The meiotic products also showed abnormal products in few specimens. The study of pollen fertility showed significantly higher percentages of sterile pollen grains in test plants in comparison with their controls in most of the cases.
