Cyanocenesis in Passion Fruit Detection and Quantification of Cyanide in Passion Fruit (Passiflora Edulis Sims) At Different Stages of Fruit Development

Abstract

The synthesis of compounds capable of liberating hydrocyanic acid upon hydrolysis (Cyanogenesis) is widespread in the plant kingdom. These compounds, collectively known as cyanogens, occur in such diverse plant families as Rosaceae, Myrtaceae, Polypodiaceae, Saxifragaceae, Olacaceae,Gramineae. Schrophulariaceae, Caprifoliaceae, Mimosaceae, Taxaceae, Proteaceae, Euphorbiaoeae, and the two closely related familiesFlacourtiaceae and Passifloraceae (Conn, 1973).Some of the cyanogenic members of the above families are important food crops, and it is important that the cyanogenic nature of such crop plants be well understood to guard against any potential hazards arising from Improper processing and consumption.