Compositions and methods for controlling sprouting of stored potatoes using allyl isothiocyanate

Compositions and methods for treating stored potatoes to inhibit the growth of sprouts, and/or to "bum" sprouts, include the use of allyl isothiocyanate ("AITC"), which may be generated from exposing a Brassica meal powder (i.e., a powder derived from a member of the mustard plant family) to water. The AITC generated may provided an all-natural sprout- inhibiting agent that is effective to inhibit sprouting in stored potatoes for several weeks, if not months. Altematively, the AITC may be synthetically produced. The potatoes may be exposed to the AITC while air containing the AITC is circulated through the potato pile, after which the potato storage facility may be ventilated to expose the potatoes to fresh air. The exposure of the potatoes to AITC may be repeated.