Phytochemical Assessment of Lathyrus Species for the Neurotoxic Agent, β-N-oxalyl-L-α-β-Diaminopropionic Acid

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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.