FURTHERING THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPROUT INHIBITORS AND GROWTH SUPPRESSANTS FOR ORGANIC POTATO

The goal is to discover essential oil (EO) fractions, blends, and individual compounds that will have greater sprout suppression activity compared with the currently used potato sprout suppressors or inhibitors. The long-term goal is to develop potato sprout suppression/inhibitor product(s) to be used for extending dormancy and/or suppression of premature sprouting in transitional and certified organic potato production. This will overcome one of the major barriers to organic transition faced by potato growers. The development of new sprout suppressors for organic potato will improve the quality of potato and reduce waste from storage, reduce the environmental impact of chemical inhibitors, and contribute to improved human health. The project is based on discussions with potato growers, and will have positive impact on transitional and certified organic production, will improve access to additional markets and consumer groups, and it will increase the competitiveness of the U.S. potato industry.The objectives are: (1) Screening of ~ 300 EO and EO fractions and identify ones with the highest potato sprout suppression; (2) Bioassay-guided fractionation of selected EO and EO fractions; (3) Compare the most promising compounds and combinations against currently used sprout inhibitors; (4) Reveal the mode of action of the promising compounds and blends on potato tubers by employing transcription profiling and metabolomics approaches; (5) Communicate the results to the potato industry, scientists, extension, students, and general public. Incorporate the information into online undergraduate and graduate certificates in Organic Agriculture to reach out to students across the nation.