A rapid method for determining cyanide potential in saskatoon amelanchier alnifolia

A new method was developed that facilitates the release and determination of hydrogen cyanide from saskatoon tissue. Shrub parts are ground in dry ice and incubated for 1 h in a buffered solution containing hydrolytic enzymes. The incubation mixture is then analyzed directly thereby eliminating the requirement for cyanide distillation or microdiffusion. The method was used to determine the cyanide potential in buds, leaves, twigs and fruit of 24 saskatoon selections, potentially suitable for commercial production. In agreement with previous studies, the results indicate that vegetative parts of saskatoon are potentially hazardous to ruminants but the fruit can be considered innocuous.