Higher plant assays for the detection of chromosomal aberrations and gene mutations-a brief historical background on their use for screening and monitoring environmental chemicals.

Higher plants are recognized as excellent indicators of cytogenetic and mutagenic effects of environmental chemicals and are applicable for the detection of environmental mutagens both indoor and outdoor. They are highly reliable bioassays with a high sensitivity for monitoring and testing for genotoxins. A brief review of major steps in the development of higher plant genotoxic assays is given. Copyright 1999 Elsevier Science B.V.