Mercury and selenium in a modified Allium test

A modified Allium test is presented implying that from the start of the experiment series of onions are grown in the different liquids to be tested – without first letting the root tips sprout in pure water. For screening purposes, macroscopical observations after two days of treatment, documented with photographic evidence of the degree of growth retardation or stimulation, will often suffice. For specific purposes, these observations should be supplemented by microscopic analysis, as has been done in the present work. The two procedures of the Allium test were compared: The new version, with longer time of treatment, seemed to be a little more sensitive than the original method. The specific aim of this study was to investigate whether sodium selenite has any effect antagonistic to methylmercury chloride poisoning, as has been reported in certain animal materials. No such effect was observed in the present experiments.