Effect of Monocrotophos on Development of the Chick Embryo

Abstract

The avian embryo is a long- standing model for developmental biology and toxicology research both in ovo and in explants culture. Fertile eggs are inexpensive and the embryo develops rapidly, hence most extensively used.The absence of a placenta permits the direct study of teratogenic effects. The growing reliance on chemicals in agriculture and the indiscriminate use of pesticides leading to environmental pollution is posing a potential health hazard.In order to have a compromised formula between the use of pesticides and their harmful effects on biosphere, research studies are on the increase to find out the deleterious effects of pesticides on biological systems. Monocrotophos has withdrawn from use in developed countries but it is still used in many parts of the country. Present study is planned to understand the effect of monocrotophos on development of one breed of chick embryo namely, Gramapriya developed by the Project Directorate on Poultry (ICAR), Hyderabadby determining the heart beat rate, somite count and limb bud and tail bud formation in the developing embryo at 48 hours, 72 hours and 96 hours of incubation. The mortality rates of treated groups were predominantly higher than control group.