Grain and fodder sorghum plants are known to contain dangerous levels of cyanide-producing compounds and free cyanide, as well as nitrate and nitrite, particularly if they had been subjected to drought and hot weather. Hay made from such sorghum retains the cyanide and nitrate. Agricultural experts say that the danger of cyanide poisoning from sorghum is overrated, but this reported incident might demand a fresh look. I don't know whether Bermuda grass is related to sorghum, or whether the GM Bermuda grass contained genes borrowed from sorghum. The point is that it may not be the Genetic Modification that is doing the harm. More details of the genetic make-up of the said GM Bermuda grass is required.
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Grain and fodder sorghum plants are known to contain dangerous levels of cyanide-producing compounds and free cyanide, as well as nitrate and nitrite, particularly if they had been subjected to drought and hot weather. Hay made from such sorghum retains the cyanide and nitrate. Agricultural experts say that the danger of cyanide poisoning from sorghum is overrated, but this reported incident might demand a fresh look.
I don't know whether Bermuda grass is related to sorghum, or whether the GM Bermuda grass contained genes borrowed from sorghum. The point is that it may not be the Genetic Modification that is doing the harm. More details of the genetic make-up of the said GM Bermuda grass is required.
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