Volatile monoterpenes inhibit potato tuber sprouting

Several volatile monoterpenes, which are among the major constituents of several easily obtainable essential oils, were phytotoxic in the gaseous phase to emerged potato tuber sprouts. Analyses of the more phytotoxic monoterpenes were conducted using a continuous-flow system in which the compounds were released as volatiles into the headspace surrounding the tubers. Several of these compounds, which have low mammalian toxicities and are currently used in large amounts as flavorings, over-the-counter medications and perfumes, effectively inhibited sprouting and fungal growth at relatively low molar concentrations.