Cassavas get cyanide hike from carbon emissions

ONE of Africa's most important food crops is likely to become increasingly toxic as a result of carbon emissions.

Cassava is a staple for more than half a billion of the world's poorest people. It is promoted by UN agencies such as the Food and Agriculture Organization as a saviour for Africa because it grows well in droughts. But now research shows that increasing carbon dioxide in the air boosts cyanide levels in its leaves.