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

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Abstract
The HCN potentials of saskatoon serviceberry (A. alnifolia) and chokecherry (P. virginiana) were compared. Shrub samples were collected from various sites .apprx. every 2 wk from March-Sept., 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 more toxic at all stages of growth but serviceberry foliage could be considered hazardous during bloom. In woody tissue, the HCN potential was .apprx. 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 yr 1979 and this effect was greater in new growth of chokecherry 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 the potential toxicity of serviceberry and chokecherry to ruminants.

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