Factors affecting the hydrogen cyanide potential of white clover (Trifolium repens L.)

Abstract

Pot experiments were used to determine the effects of age, light, temperature, mineral nutrition and wilting on the HCN potential (HCNp ) of white clover (Trifolium repens L.). HCNp, adjusted for pre-expenmental HCNp, was reduced by higher light intensity (505 v. 220 mg HCN kg-1 DM), by increased temperature (408 v. 317 mg HCN kg-1 DM) and by phosphorus application (382 v. 343 mg HCN kg-1 DM). These effects were largely explained by the hypothesis that HCNp diminished as the size and vigour of the plant increased, and the use of dry matter production as a covariate on HCNp removed the significant effects of light, temperature and phosphorus. In two experiments wilting plants prior to harvest increased HCNp by 15 and 24%, and reduced dry matter yield by 9 and 13%. HCNp declined curvilinearly as the white clover aged. The conditions shown to favour high HCNp, namely, immaturity, moisture stress, low light intensity, cool temperature, and inadequate P supply, are those which occur periodically in the late autumn and early spring of temperate climates. Sheep in late pregnancy at this time, could, if white clover comprises a substantial proportion of their diet, experience thiocyanate absorption as a consequence of HCN detoxication and hence increase the risk of goitri to the lamb.