Sprout Suppression Strategies in Potato Crop Management

Sprout suppression in potato tubers is essential to maintain quality, reduce post-harvest losses and ensure global food security. Strategies fall into physical, chemical and biological categories. Physical methods include temperature and humidity control, modified atmospheres and, more recently, magnetic-field treatments. Chemical approaches traditionally rely on synthetic inhibitors such as chlorpropham, but regulatory restrictions have spurred interest in alternatives including organic acids, plant growth regulators and volatile compounds. Biological or biopesticidal options encompass essential oils and other natural extracts that inhibit meristem activity. Integration of pre- and post-harvest treatments, tailored to cultivar physiology and storage conditions, has emerged as best practice. Advances in sensing technology and precision application further enhance the efficacy and sustainability of sprout-suppression protocols, with direct benefits for farmers, processors and consumers worldwide.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent work has demonstrated that simple organic acids can serve as efficient, low-toxicity sprout suppressants. Investigations of maleic acid and L-tartaric acid applied at ambient temperature showed a significant delay in sprouting for up to six and four weeks respectively, without compromising tuber moisture or visual appearance. These compounds offer a cost-effective and environmentally benign alternative to conventional inhibitors, maintaining key quality metrics over typical storage durations and aligning with evolving regulatory and consumer preferences.

Sprout Suppression Strategies in Potato Crop Management publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in sprout suppression strategies in potato crop management across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Dormancy: The physiological state in which tuber sprouting is naturally inhibited post-harvest.

Chlorpropham (CIPC): A synthetic chemical sprout suppressant widely used until recent regulatory bans.

Maleic hydrazide (MH): A plant growth regulator applied pre-harvest to extend tuber dormancy.

1,4-Dimethylnaphthalene (1,4-DMN): A volatile inhibitor applied post-harvest to suppress bud emergence.

Essential oils (EOs): Complex mixtures of plant-derived volatile compounds investigated as natural sprout suppressants.

References

1. Assessment of pre- and post-harvest anti-sprouting treatments to replace CIPC for potato storage. Postharvest Biology and Technology (2021).
2. Maleic and l-tartaric acids as new anti-sprouting agents for potatoes during storage in comparison to other efficient sprout suppressants. Scientific Reports (2021).
3. Evaluation of Essential Oils as Sprout Suppressants for Potato (Solanum tuberosum) at Room Temperature Storage. Plants (2022).
4. Static and varied magnetic fields effects on shrinkage and sprouting characteristics of stored potatoes. Cogent Food & Agriculture (2022).