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Presence of Dhurrin in Sorghum Root Tissue and the Effect of Pathogenesis on Hydrogen Cyanide Potential 1
Author(s) -
Starr J. L.,
Newton R. J.,
Miller F. R.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
crop science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.76
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1435-0653
pISSN - 0011-183X
DOI - 10.2135/cropsci1984.0011183x002400040026x
Subject(s) - biology , hydrogen cyanide , botany , sorghum , pathogenesis , cyanide , biochemistry , agronomy , chemistry , immunology , inorganic chemistry
The presence of dhurrin and cyanogenic activity in roots of sorghum was tested utilizing gas liquid chromatography and color reagents. Of 15 Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench accessions tested, all gave a positive response for cyanogenic activity in the seminal root system based on a qualitative assay. Dhurrin concentrations of 18 to 25 g/kg were detected in freeze‐dried, primary roots of NK262 and ATx399 ✕ RTx430. The lateral roots of ATx399 ✕ RTx430 contained less dhurrin (3 to 5 g/kg dry weight) than did the primary root (25 g/kg dry weight) of the seminal root system. Pathogenesis of the primary root by the lesion nematode Pratylenchus zeae Graham or the root‐rot fungus Pythium arrhenomanes Dresch. decreased the hydrogen cyanide potential of lesion tissue by ca. 50% 48 h after inoculation relative to healthy roots. Dhurrin concentrations in lateral roots of the seminal root system were too low to measure the effect of pathogenesis on hydrogen cyanide potential. The possible significance of the effect of pathogenesis on hydrogen cyanide potential of root tissues is discussed.