Several naturally-occurring aromatic aldehydes and an aromatic alcohol
inhibited potato tuber sprouting when applied as volatiles or directl
y as emulsions. Exposure to volatiles was for 1 or 10 days prior to pl
acement into fresh air. Salicylaldehyde inhibited sprouting of tubers
exposed for 1 or more days; benzaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, cuminaldehyd
e and thymol suppressed sprouting of tubers exposed for 10 days. Direc
t application of cinnamaldehyde and benzaldehyde as 1% and 10% emulsio
ns completely inhibited sprouting 14 days after treatment without appa
rent tuber damage. These compounds applied without dilution inhibited
sprouting but damaged tubers.