THE CYANIDE POTENTIAL OF SASKATOON SERVICEBERRY (Amelanchier alnifolia) AND CHOKECHERRY (Prunus virginiana)

The hydrogen cyanide (HCN) potentials of saskatoon serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) and chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) were compared. Shrub samples were collected from various sites about every 2 wk from March to September in 1979 and 1980. They were ground in dry ice and incubated with emulsin to release HCN which was used to estimate the concentration of the cyanogenic glycoside, prunasin. Prunasin levels indicated that chokecherry foliage was much more toxic at all stages of growth, but serviceberry foliage could be considered harzardous during bloom. In woody tissue, the HCN potential was approximately the same for both species and it exceeded the level required to produce acute signs of poisoning in cattle. The HCN potential increased in twigs during the dry year 1979, and this effect was greater in new growth of chokecherry as compared to serviceberry. Buds and flowers of both species showed higher prunasin levels than the fruit. The results of this survey should provide a basis for predicting ...