Phytochemical assessment of Lathyrus species for the neurotoxic agent, beta-N-oxalyl-L-alpha-beta-diaminopropionic acid.

Lathyrus species have potential as feed crops, but many contain a neurotoxin, beta-N-oxalyl-L-alpha-beta-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.