EVALUATION OF DNA DAMAGE IN CAPSICUM ANNUUM L. EXPOSED TO SPINOSAD IN THE COMET ASSAY.

The naturally-derived insecticide Spinosad has been used to control thrips in Capsicum annuum L. Our aim was to determine the possible genotoxic effect of Spinosad in leaves C. annuum L. For this purpose, we used the Comet assay to investigate DNA damage in isolated cells from leaves of C. annuum L. in order to assess the potential hazards of Spinosad. For the evaluation of genotoxic effects, the % tail DNA (tail intensity) and the tail moment in the treated Spinosad were compared to the solvent control (distilled water). The alkaline Comet assay showed that both tail intensity and tail moment significantly increased at 0.5, 1, 5 and 10 ppm concentrations of Spinosad, meaning that Spinosad probably has apoptotic effects at a concentration of 10 ppm and higher. These results can contribute to increase the genotoxicity database on Spinosad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]