A comparison of two methods based on sodium picrate for determining cyanogen content in cassava roots

S. L. Tan and H. H. Yeoh

Abstract

Two methods based on colour change of sodium picrate for determiningcyanogen content were compared. One, a rapid method, depends on the endogenous enzyme linamarase liberated when cells are ruptured to release the cyanide. In the second method, linamarase is supplied extraneously to do the same. There was close correlation between both methods for cyanogen contents of 14 cassava clones. The first method has the advantage of requiring less sophisticated equipment which suits it particularly for field application. The second has been postulated in preliminary screening as a possible replacement of the more complicated standard quantitative procedures for determining cyanogen content which involve the use of hazardous chemicals.

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