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Naturally-occurring aromatic compounds inhibit potato tuber sprouting

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Abstract

Several naturally-occurring aromatic aldehydes and an aromatic alcohol inhibited potato tuber sprouting when applied as volatiles or directly as emulsions. Exposure to volatiles was for 1 or 10 days prior to placement into fresh air. Salicylaldehyde inhibited sprouting of tubers exposed for 1 or more days; benzaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, cuminaldehyde and thymol suppressed sprouting of tubers exposed for 10 days. Direct application of cinnamaldehyde and benzaldehyde as 1% and 10% emulsions completely inhibited sprouting 14 days after treatment without apparent tuber damage. These compounds applied without dilution inhibited sprouting but damaged tubers.

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Mention of a trademark or proprietary product does not constitute a guarantee or warranty of the product by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and does not imply approval to the exclusion of other products that may also be suitable.

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Vaughn, S.F., Spencer, G.F. Naturally-occurring aromatic compounds inhibit potato tuber sprouting. American Potato Journal 70, 527–533 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02846753

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