Question

HCN toxicity is related to

• A. Pearl millet
• B. Lathyrus
• C. Sorghum
• D. Safflower

Hint:

Keep these toxic plant compound associations in mind:
- Sorghum $\rightarrow$ HCN (Prussic acid Dhurrin)
- Lathyrus $\rightarrow$ ODAP BOAA (Neurotoxin causing lathyrism)
- Mustard $\rightarrow$ Glucosinolates Erucic acid

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Hydrocyanic acid (HCN), also known as prussic acid, is a toxic compound produced by certain forage crops.
Consuming plants with high concentrations of HCN can lead to poisoning and death in livestock by inhibiting cellular respiration.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
HCN toxicity is primarily associated with Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor).
The plant synthesizes a cyanogenic glycoside called dhurrin, mainly in its young leaves and stems.
When livestock chew the plant, cell disruption allows enzymes to hydrolyze dhurrin, releasing free hydrocyanic acid (HCN).
HCN levels are typically highest in:
- Young, immature plants (under \( 45 \text{ to } 50 \text{ cm} \) tall).
- Rapidly growing ratoon crops.
- Crops subjected to environmental stress, such as drought or frost.
To prevent toxicity, farmers are advised to avoid feeding young sorghum to livestock and to wait until the crop reaches the flowering stage, when HCN levels naturally decline.

Step 4: Final Answer:
HCN toxicity is associated with the consumption of young Sorghum forage.