Chemical and biochemical genetic studies on growth of potato sprout under storage conditions

Postharvest sprouting and biochemical deterioration are major constraints in long-term storage of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), causing economic and nutritional losses. The synthetic sprout suppressant chlorpropham (CIPC) has been widely used but is now banned due to carcinogenic residues and environmental persistence, necessitating safer alternatives.This study assessed three sprout suppression strategies in five cultivars (‘Caruso,’ ‘Diamant,’ ‘Lady Rosita,’ ‘Santana,’ and ‘Spunta’): (1) chemical control with CIPC, (2) an eco-friendly treatment combining essential oils (peppermint, clove, cinnamon, camphor) with laser irradiation, and (3) a bio-integrated treatment of laser irradiation with Pomirja Gel, a natural antimicrobial bioformulation. Antioxidant enzyme activities—polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (PX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT)—were measured, alongside isozyme profiling and soluble protein stability using SDS–PAGE.Results showed that both bio-based treatments, especially laser + Pomirja Gel, enhanced PPO and PX activities and preserved protein banding patterns, reflecting improved oxidative stress tolerance and cellular stability. In contrast, CIPC occasionally induced protein degradation (e.g., loss of the 152 kDa band in ‘Santana’). Isozyme analysis revealed treatment-specific induction of defense-related bands, while cultivar comparisons indicated ‘Caruso’ and ‘Diamant’ exhibited superior biochemical resilience under bio-based approaches.Overall, laser + essential oils and laser + Pomirja Gel emerged as effective, residue-free alternatives to CIPC, offering improved antioxidant defense, protein stability, and tuber quality during storage. This sustainable strategy reduces reliance on synthetic chemicals while maintaining marketable quality.Keywords: Potato, sprout inhibition, CIPC, essential oils, laser irradiation, Pomirja Gel, antioxidant enzymes, SDS–PAGE.