Controlling potato sprouting during storage

Sprouting remains one of the main challenges in potato storage, both for the fresh market and for processing, due to its direct impact on losses, firmness and warehouse operations. To address this issue, Xeda International offers sprout control solutions based on mint oil, such as BioxM, designed to manage germination during storage through industrial application.

When sprouts develop, tuber weight loss increases and routine operations such as grading or washing become more complex. For this reason, sprout control continues to be a key aspect of postharvest management, particularly in long-term storage programmes.

What happens in the sprout when mint oil is applied

The effect of mint essential oil on potato sprouting has been described in a scientific study that analysed its action at sprout level. Application in vapour phase causes a localised alteration of the apical meristem, with damage and necrosis of the tissue responsible for sprout growth.

This mechanism helps to explain why sprout development is halted without visible damage to the tuber skin. The same study also shows that the response depends on dose and treatment persistence. When the effect of the oil decreases, lateral buds may be activated, reinforcing the need for repeated applications to maintain sprout control during storage.

Commercial solutions based on this mechanism

Based on this physiological mechanism, sprout control solutions formulated from mint oil have been developed for industrial use. Their application is integrated into repeated treatment programmes, adapted to storage duration and the conditions of each facility.

Within this framework, BioxM, Xeda’s sprout suppressant for ware potatoes, is designed for application by thermal fogging in storage facilities. The product is used as part of continuous treatment programmes and follows both a preventive approach and the management of early sprouting, in line with the mode of action described for mint essential oils.

Interest in this type of solution responds to a practical need in the sector: maintaining potato quality during prolonged storage periods and reducing losses associated with sprouting, using strategies compatible with real warehouse operations.

More information

Sources

Teper-Bamnolker, P., Dudai, N., Fischer, R., Belausov, E., Zemach, H., Shoseyov, O., Eshel, D. Mint essential oil can induce or inhibit potato sprouting by differential alteration of apical meristem. Planta. DOI: 10.1007/s00425-010-1154-5.

Cover photo caption: Left, alteration and necrosis of the apical meristem of a potato sprout after application of mint essential oil. Right, differential sprout response depending on the dose applied, with inhibition or activation of lateral buds.