[Trifluralin, an inhibitor of the achromatic apparatus which modifies the chromosomes].

Trifluralin weakens or destroys polarity in segmentation mitoses of Triturus helveticus Raz. and Pleurodeles waltlii Michah. Previously it inhibits the cytokinesis, by reducing the activity of asters which are necessary to it. It produces chromosome abnormalities, specially involving their condensation, and makes appear discontinuities at prophase. The local thickenings of metaphase chromosomes predominate at heterochromatic regions. The action is stronger in animal than in vegetative half and this difference is highly significant. The stoppage of Amphibian eggs development states the problem of the possible action of trifluralin on the aquatic fauna.