Sprout inhibitors prevent potatoes from sprouting and are required if they are stored at higher temperatures.

After harvest, potatoes are dormant which means the will not sprout. The length of the dormancy period which may last 2 to 3 months depending on potato variety and storage temperature. Higher storage temperatures will induce earlier sprouting.

To avoid sprouting, a sprout inhibitor can be applied.

The following sprout inhibitors are in use. Not all sprout inhibitors are allowed in each country and even when they are allowed, strict maximum residue limits may apply.
 

ChloroIsopropyl-N PhenylCarbamate (CIPC)

CIPC is usually applied as a gas after curing is completed, but can also be added as a powder.
 

Maleic Hydrazide

Maleic hydrazide is applied in the field during late full bloom to postbloom, and needs to be transported from the leaves to the tubers to be effective.
 

Ethylene

Ethylene is a gaseous plant hormone, affecting a wide range of physiological processes in plants. Ethylene is generally associated with fruit ripening.

In low concentrations it is used to inhibit sprouting of potatoes. It is considered natural and can be used in the European Union for Organic Potatoes.

It can be applied as a gas and can be generated in the potato store.

Ethylene is also used in combination with CIPC, in order to make sure the maximum limit is met.
 

Carvone

Carvone is one of the two main components of the essential oil of caraway seed.