Planta Medica, Table of Contents Planta Med 1983; 47(3): 188-190DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-969982 Research Articles © Hippokrates Verlag StuttgartPhytochemical Assessment of Lathyrus Species for the Neurotoxic Agent, β-N-oxalyl-L-α-β-Diaminopropionic AcidC. J. Briggs1 , N. Parreno1 , C. G. Campbell2 1Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Canada 2Agriculture Canada Research Station, Morden, Manitoba, Canada Recommend Article Abstract PDF Download(opens in new window) Buy Article(opens in new window) Abstract Lathyrus species have potential as feed crops, but many contain a neurotoxin, β-N-oxalyl-L-α-β-diaminopropionic acid (ODAP). An extraction and Spectrophotometric assay procedure are described for analysis of ODAP in small samples (0.5 g) of seed. The assay utilizes o-phthalaldehyde as a reagent, following hydrolysis of the ODAP. It is sensitive and specific, and suitable for the assay of 3-4 seeds of most Lathyrus species. The method has been used to screen a collection of Lathyrus accessions for use in a breeding program to develop agronomic strains with low toxicity. Key Word Index Lathyrus - Fabaceae (Leguminosae) - β-N-oxalyl-L-α-β-Diaminopropionic Acid - Spectrophotometric Assay - Screening for Plant Breeding PDF (287 kb)
