Monoterpene esters as Anti-sprout agents and compositions, methods and uses thereof

Abstract

A sprout inhibitor agent comprising a monoterpene ester consisting of bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof and a carrier is disclosed herein. The sprout inhibitor agent and compositions comprising the same are useful for inhibiting sprouting, tuber growth or both in post-harvest underground-growing vegetables such as potato. The sprout inhibitor agent and compositions comprising the same are also useful for enhancing dormancy in post-harvest underground-growing vegetables and / or for enhancing post-harvest potato storage.

Description

MONOTERPENE ESTERS AS ANTI-SPROUT AGENTS AND COMPOSITIONS, METHODS AND USES THEREOF CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority of US provisional patent application No. 63 / 711,974, filed October 25, 2024, the specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure broadly relates to compositions effective for controlling the sprouting of post-harvest underground-growing vegetables during storage. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to bornyl acetate and isobornyle acetate as sprouting inhibitor agents for the inhibition and suppression of sprouting during potato storage while reducing safety and toxicity concerns. The present disclosure also relates to methods and uses thereof.BACKGROUND

[0003] Potato is a starchy vegetable that grows into the soil (underground), also known as a tuber. It belongs to the Solanaceae family. Easy to grow, it has been widely cultivated in many places of the world for many generations. After harvest, potatoes (and some other underground-growing vegetables) are stored, often for many months. In the case of potatoes and onions, the use of phytosanitary products may be necessary to decrease potato or onion loss resulting from the early sprouting occurring during storage.

[0004] The main product used for potato preservation during storage is chlorpropham orCIPC, a plant growth regulator and herbicide used as a sprout suppressant. Since 2020, the use of Cl PC is banned in the European Union and the UK due to toxicity concerns. There is a growing concern in the potato industry that a similar ban may someday reach North America and other regions of the world. Known alternatives to CIPC are scarce, less effective than CIPC but more expensive than the same. They also present with challenges in terms of product development, product application and social acceptability.

[0005] Thus, there is a need to provide a new, effective, safe, ecological and economical alternative to currently available sprout suppressors such as CIPC.SUMMARY

[0006] According to an embodiment, there is provided a sprout inhibitor agent comprising a monoterpene ester consisting of bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof; and a carrier.

[0007] The carrier may be an alcohol, a glycol, an oil, or any combination thereof. The carrier may be propylene glycol.

[0008] The sprout inhibitor agent may further comprise a growth regulator, an essential oil, or any combination thereof.

[0009] The sprout inhibitor agent may comprise a concentration of said monoterpene ester of from about 0.1 to about 100 % w / w, about 90 to about 99 %, about 95 % to about 99 %, about 96 % to about 99 %, about 97 % to about 99 %, about 98 % to about 99 %, or about 99 % to about 99.9 % of the total weight of the sprout inhibitor agent.

[0010] According to another embodiment, there is provided a sprouting inhibition composition comprising the sprout inhibitor agent of according to the present disclosure, and optionally, an agriculturally acceptable carrier; wherein application of the sprouting inhibition composition inhibits sprouting of post-harvest underground-growing vegetables.

[0011] The sprout inhibitor agent according to the present disclosure, or the sprouting inhibition composition according to the present disclosure, orbornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, ora combination thereof, may be for use in inhibiting sprouting in post-harvest underground-growing vegetables.

[0012] A use of the sprout inhibitor agent according to the present disclosure, or of the sprouting inhibition composition according to the present disclosure, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, ora combination thereof may be for inhibiting sprouting, in post-harvest underground-growing vegetables.

[0013] According to another embodiment, there is provided a method for inhibiting sprouting in post-harvest underground-growing vegetables comprising the step of applying the sprout inhibitor agent of the present disclosure, or the sprouting inhibition composition comprising the sprout inhibitor agent of according to the present disclosure, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, ora combination thereof, on the surface of the post-harvest underground-growing vegetables.

[0014] According to another embodiment, there is provided a method of enhancing postharvest storage of post-harvest underground-growing vegetables, comprising the step of applying the sprout inhibitor agent of the present disclosure, or the sprouting inhibition composition comprising the sprout inhibitor agent of according to the present disclosure, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof, on the surface of the post-harvest underground-growing vegetables.

[0015] The applying or use may comprise cold fogging, hot fogging, fumigation, vaporisation, nebulization, spray treatment, or a combination thereof.

[0016] The applying or use may be hot fogging.

[0017] The applying or use may be hot fogging and may be performed at about 200 °C.

[0018] The applying or the use may comprise droplets of a size of 15 pm or less.

[0019] The applying or use may be free of runoff on the post-harvest underground-growing vegetables.

[0020] The sprout inhibitor agent, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof may be used or applied at a concentration of about 100 ppm to about 500 ppm or of about 300 ppm to about 500 ppm.

[0021] The sprout inhibitor agent, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof may be used or applied at a concentration of about 100 ppm to about 1000 ppm, about 125 ppm, about 300 ppm or about 500 ppm.

[0022] The sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof for use as described herein, or method for inhibiting sprouting in post-harvest underground-growing vegetables, or method of enhancing post-harvest storage of post-harvest underground-growing vegetables, may comprise a step of applying or use, wherein applying or use of is performed- after dormancy period of the post-harvest underground-growing vegetables;- during the peeping stage or at the time of sprout appearance;- when at least one sprout is at least 2 mm long,- when the Sprouting Index (SI) of at least one sprout is of at least 3, or- any combination thereof.

[0023] The step of applying or using the sprout inhibitor agent, the sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof may be repeated more than one time.

[0024] The step of applying or using the sprout inhibitor agent, the sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof may be performed at least every 20 to 60 days, at least every 20 to 50 days, at least every 20 to 40 days, at least every 20 to 30 days, at least every 20 days, at least every 25 days at least every 30 days, at least every 35 days, at least every 40 days, at least every 45 days, at least every 50 days, at least every 55 days, at least every 60 days, at least every 65 days, at least every 70 days, at least every 75 days, at least every 80 days, at least every 85 days, at least every 90 days, at least every 95 days, or at least every 100 days.

[0025] The step of applying or using the sprout inhibitor agent, the sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, ora combination thereof may be repeated during the peeping stage or at the time at least one sprout of 2 mm in length is detected.

[0026] The post-harvest underground-growing vegetables may comprise potato, sweet potato, or onions.

[0027] According to another embodiment, there is provided a post-harvest underground-growing vegetable comprising, on at least a part of a surface thereof, the sprout inhibitor agent according to the present disclosure.

[0028] The foregoing and other advantages and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of illustrative embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings / figures.

[0029] Glossary

[0030] In order to provide a clear and consistent understanding of the terms used in the present disclosure, a number of definitions are provided below. Moreover, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms as used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0031] The word "a" or "an" when used in conjunction with the term "comprising" in the claims and / or the disclosure may mean "one", but it is also consistent with the meaning of "one or more", "at least one", and "one or more than one" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Similarly, the word "another" may mean at least a second or more unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0032] As used in this disclosure and claim(s), the words "comprising" (and any form of comprising, such as "comprise" and "comprises"), "having" (and any form of having, such as "have" and "has"), "including" (and any form of including, such as "include" and "includes") or "containing" (and any form of containing, such as "contain" and "contains"), are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or process steps.

[0033] As used in this disclosure and claim(s), the word “consisting” and its derivatives, are intended to be close-ended terms that specify the presence of stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps, and also exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and / or steps.

[0034] The term “consisting essentially of’, as used herein, is intended to specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps as well as those that do notmaterially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of these features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps.

[0035] The terms "about", “substantially” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms of degree should be construed as including a deviation of at least ±1% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies.

[0036] The following terms are defined below.

[0037] The terms “inhibit”, “inhibits”, or “inhibition” with respect to the inhibitor agents of the present disclosure as well as their compositions, uses and methods means that a desired effect is observed at least regarding the inhibition, control, reduction, decrease, or suppression of sprouting of potato tuber or sprouts.

[0038] The phrase “inhibiting sprouting” means that the number, and / or the weight and / or the length, of buds and sprouts growing from a defined number of potatoes contacted with a composition in accordance with the present disclosure (e.g., bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate or a combination thereof) is less than the number, and / or the weight and / or the length, of sprouts growing from the same number of control potatoes (of the same cultivar as the treated potatoes) that were not contacted with a sprout inhibitor agent in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0039] The term “sprout” as used herein refers to a bud oryoung shoot that germinates and grows from a harvested underground-growing vegetable, or harvested tuber, such as a potato.

[0040] The term “underground-growing vegetable” as used herein refers to vegetables comprising an organ, including a stem, that grows and develops in the soil, and is intended for human or animal consumption. Underground grown vegetables include potatoes and onions.

[0041] The term “tuber” as used herein refers to the enlarged portion of an underground stem known as the stolon and is potentially able to produce a new plant. The term “tuber” is inclusive of “potato tuber”. “Potato tuber” refers to the underground storage stem of the potato plant (Solatium tuberosum). The potato tuber is a modified rhizome and includes buds or sprouts that can produce new potato plants.

[0042] The term “peeping” as used herein refers to a sprout that has developed but that is 2 mm long or less.

[0043] The term “carrier” is intended to mean a substance suited for carrying, solubilizing, diluting, transporting, transferring or delivering bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate ora combination thereof oranother active ingredient or component. As defined herein, a carrier can be a carrier solvent, a solvent or a diluent.

[0044] The term “agriculturally acceptable carrier” is intended to mean a substance suited for carrying, solubilizing, diluting, transporting, transferring or delivering bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate or a combination thereof or another active ingredient or component. The term "agriculturally acceptable carrier" as used herein also refers to a substance that is not unacceptably damaging to a plant or its environment, and / or not unsafe to the user or others that may be exposed to the material when used as described herein. As defined herein, an “agriculturally acceptable carrier” can be a carrier solvent, a solvent or a diluent. Agriculturally acceptable carriers may include, for example, adjuvants, inert components, dispersants, surfactants, tackifiers, binders, and / or stabilizers.

[0045] The term “room temperature”, abbreviated “RT”, as used herein refers to the range of air temperatures most people find comfortable indoors while dressed in typical clothing, or air temperature for human occupancy, and at which laboratory experiments are usually performed. RT may range from about 15 °C to about 25 °C; from about 20 °C to about 25 °C; from about 20 °C to about 22 °C or may be of 20 °C.

[0046] The term “ppm” or “parts-per-million” as used herein refers to a quantity-per-quantity unit for measuring the weight of the active agent over the weight of the amount of post-harvest underground-growing vegetables treated. For example, 300 ppm indicates a concentration of 300 g of active ingredient per ton of vegetables or 300 g of active ingredient per 1000 kg of vegetables or 300 g of active ingredient per 106g of vegetables.

[0047] Features and advantages of the subject matter hereof will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying figures. As will be realized, the subject matter disclosed and claimed is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive and the full scope of the subject matter is set forth in the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:

[0049] FIG. 1A shows measurement of the Sprouting Index (SI) of a selection of isolated molecules present in black spruce essential oil (BSEO) tested at a concentration of 5% (BSEO: black spruce essential oil; Ctrl (H2O): control with water; CIPC: chlorpropham).

[0050] FIG. 1B shows the chemical structures of isobornyle acetate and bornyle acetate.

[0051] FIG. 2 shows measurement of the Sprouting Index (SI) in potatoes treated with the sprout inhibitor agent of the present disclosure compared to other formulations.

[0052] FIG. 3 shows measurement of the Sprouting Index (SI) in potatoes with advanced sprouting and intensively treated with the sprout inhibitor agent of the present disclosure compared to other formulations.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Black spruce (Picea mariana) is a North American specie of spruce tree from the pine (Pinaceae) family. Widespread across Canada, it is an important source of timber and pulpwood. It is also known for beer-making and production of essential oil. Black spruce essential oil (BSEO) may be produced by distilling harvested needles.

[0054] Essential oil is a concentrated liquid comprising volatile chemical compounds from plants, including the essence of the plant fragrance. Essential oils can be extracted from plant parts such as foliage or can also be produced synthetically. Essential oils are usually lipophilic, hydrophobic and not miscible with water. For dilution, they may require the use of a solvent such as ethanol or hexane.

[0055] BSEO has been found to have anti-sprouting effects. However, large volumes of BSEO may be difficult to procure, particularly in view of market demand, present and to come. BSEO comprises several components including the ester bornyl acetate, the monoterpene hydrocarbons alpha-pinene (a-pinene) and camphene, and oxygenated monoterpenes such as borneol.

[0056] It has been surprisingly discovered that isolated components of BSEO, from a natural or commercial provenance such as monoterpene esters, including bornyle acetate (BA) and isobornyle acetate (IA), are toxic to the sprouts of harvested potatoes upon contact. Indeed, upon treatment with bornyle acetate and / or isobornyle acetate, the sprouts of the harvested potato dry to eventually detach from the potato, especially upon further processing steps of the potato (for example, washing, packaging activities, etc.). Bornyle acetate (BA) and isobornyle acetate (IA) may be produced by isolating these compounds from natural essential oils such as BSEO. Bornyle acetate (BA) and isobornyle acetate (IA) may also be produced synthetically.

[0057] BA, IA or a combination of BA and IA is applied to the potatoes once the natural dormancy period of the potato is completed and upon visual detection of sprouts. Bornyle acetate and / or isobornyle acetate can also be applied upon sprouting or upon “peeping”, that is when the sprouts are 2 mm long or less. Bornyle acetate and / or isobornyle acetate can also be applied when at least one sprout is at least 2 mm long, for example when at least one sprout is at least 5 mm long. Bornyleacetate and / or isobornyle acetate may also be used in an intensive manner, to eradicate a large number of sprouts or sprouts at an advanced stage of development, such as with a Sprout Index (SI) above 10.

[0058] Described herein is a sprout inhibitor agent comprising a monoterpene ester consisting of bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof; and a carrier.

[0059] For practical application, bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof may be combined with a carrier or provided in combination with a carrier. The term “carrier” is intended to mean a substance suited for carrying, solubilizing, diluting, transporting, transferring or delivering bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate ora combination thereof or another active ingredient or component. As defined herein, a carrier can be a carrier solvent, a solvent or a diluent.

[0060] The carrier may comprise an alcohol, a glycol, an oil, or any combination thereof. The carrier may comprise or consist essentially of propylene glycol. Other suitable carriers may be used, for example alcohols (such as methanol, 2-propanol, octanols, etc.), glycols, oils (such as clove oil (Biox-C, Biox-M), peppermint oil, spearmint oil, eucalyptus oil, peanut oil, rapeseed oil and rapeseed oil methyl ester) and / or a, p-unsaturated aliphatic aldehydes and ketones, aldehydes, ketones, and / or allyl isothiocyanate. The carriers may also be eugenol or L-carvone, maleic and / or L-tartaric acid, citral, geraniol, or combinations thereof. The carriers may also be Smartblock® and other related chemicals, C3 to C14 aliphatic aldehydes and ketones, and C3 to C7 aliphatic primary and secondary saturated and unsaturated alcohols. The carrier may also be a sprout inhibitor including CIPC (Sprout Nip®, etc.), maleic hydrazide, DMN (also known as dimethylnaphthalene, 1,4SIGHT®, 1,4SEED®, 1 ,4SHIP®), DIPN (diisopropylnaphthalene, Amplify®), orclove oil (Biox-C®; Sprout Torch™). The carrier may be selected according to the means of application of the sprout inhibitor agent.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the sprout inhibitor agent may be formulated to include or to be applied in combination or sequentially with a fungicide. For example, the fungicide may be applied before the sprout inhibitor agent is applied.

[0062] Other optional ingredients may be present and in combination with the sprout inhibitor agent of the present disclosure. These optional ingredients may include a growth regulator, an essential oil, or any combination thereof. These optional ingredients may include, for example, alcohols (such as methanol, 2-propanol, octanols, etc.), glycols (such as propylene glycol), oils (such as clove oil (Biox-C, Biox-M), peppermint oil, spearmint oil, eucalyptus oil, peanut oil, rapeseed oil and rapeseed oil methyl ester) and / or a-, p-unsaturated aliphatic aldehydes and ketones, aldehydes, ketones, and / or allyl isothiocyanate. The optional ingredients may also include eugenol, L-carvone or combinations thereof. The optional ingredients may also include Smartblock® and other related chemical C3 to C14aliphatic aldehydes and ketones, and C3to C7aliphatic primary and secondary saturated and unsaturated alcohols. The optional ingredients may also include hydrogen peroxide (oxidant), or ethylene gas, and / or other known chemicals. The optional ingredients may also be one or more sprout inhibitor including CIPC (Sprout Nip®, etc.), maleic hydrazide, DMN (also known as dimethylnaphthalene, 1,4SIGHT®, 1,4SEED®, 1.4SHIP®), DIPN (diisopropylnaphthalene, Amplify®), orclove oil (Biox-C®; Sprout Torch™). The optional ingredients may also include any type of essential oil of vegetal origin, such as black spruce essential oil (BSEO) or any of its isolated components.

[0063] In embodiments, bornyle acetate (BA), isobornyle acetate (IA), ora combination thereof may be diluted, dissolved or solubilized in the carrier. In these cases, sprout inhibitor agent is in a liquid state at room temperature (RT). When provided in or without a carrier, BA, IA or a combination of BA and IA are at concentration of from about 0.1 % to 100 % w / wof the total weight of the sprout inhibitor agent. When provided in a carrier, BA, IA or a combination of BA and IA are at concentration of from about 0.1 % to 99.9 % w / w of the total weight of the sprout inhibitor agent. According to one embodiment, when provided in a carrier, BA, IA or a combination of BA and IA may be at concentration of about 1 %, 2 %, 3 %, 4 %, 5 %, 6 %, 7 %, 8 %, 9 %, 10 %, 11 %, 12 %, 13 %, 14 %, 15 %, 16 %, 17 %, 18 %, 19 %, 20 %, 21 %, 22 %, 23 %, 24 %, 25 %, 26 %, 27 %, 28 %, 29 %, 30 %, 31 %, 32 %, 33 %, 34 %, 35 %, 36 %, 37 %, 38 %, 39 %, 40 %, 41 %, 42 %, 43 %, 44 %, 45 %, 46 %, 47 %, 48 %, 49 %, 50 %, 51 %, 52 %, 53 %, 54 %, 55 %, 56 %, 57 %, 58 %, 59 %, 60 %, 61 %, 62 %, 63 %, 64 %, 65 %, 66 %, 67 %, 68 %, 69 %, 70 %, 71 %, 72 %, 73 %, 74 %, 75 %, 76 %, 77 %, 78 %, 79 %, 80 %, 81 %, 82 %, 83 %, 84 %, 85 %, 86 %, 87 %, 88 %, 89 %, 90 %, 91 %, 92 %, 93 %, 94 %, 95 %, 96 %, 97 %, 98 %, 99 %, or anywhere in between. According to one embodiment, when provided in a carrier, BA, IA or a combination of BA and IA are at concentration of from about 5 % to about 99 %, about 10 % to about 99 %, about 15 % to about 99 %, about 20 % to about 99 %, about 25 % to about 99 %, about 30 % to about 99 %, about 35 % to about 99 %, about 40 % to about 99 %, about 45 % to about 99 %, about 50 % to about 99 %, about 55 % to about 99 %, about 60 % to about 99 %, about 65 % to about 99 %, about 70 % to about 99 %, about 75 % to about 99 %, about 80 % to about 99 %, from about 85 % to about 99 %, about 90 to about 99 %, about 91 to about 99 %, about 92 to about 99 %, about 93 to about 99 %, about 94 to about 99 %, about 95 % to about 99 %, about 96 % to about 99 %, about 97 % to about 99 %, about 98 % to about 99 %, about 99 % to about 99.9 %, or anywhere in between. When provided without a carrier, BA, I A or a combination of BA and I A are at concentration of from about 100 % w / w of the total weight of the sprout inhibitor agent.

[0064] According to another embodiment, there is disclosed a sprouting inhibition composition which comprises the sprout inhibitor agent of the present disclosure, and optionally, an agriculturallyacceptable carrier. The application of the sprouting inhibition composition inhibits sprouting of postharvest underground-growing vegetables.

[0065] The sprout inhibitor agent and / or the sprouting inhibition composition are for or are useful for inhibiting sprouting in post-harvest underground-growing vegetables.

[0066] According to another embodiment, also described herein is a method for inhibiting sprouting in post-harvest underground-growing vegetables comprising the step of applying a sprout inhibitor agent, or the sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof, as described herein, on the surface or at least a part of the surface of the postharvest underground-growing vegetables.

[0067] According to another embodiment, also described herein is a method of enhancing dormancy in post-harvest underground-growing vegetables, comprising the step of applying a sprout inhibitor agent, or the sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof, as described herein, on the surface or at least a part of the surface of the postharvest underground-growing vegetables.

[0068] According to another embodiment, also described herein is a method of enhancing post-harvest storage of post-harvest underground-growing vegetables, comprising the step of applying a sprout inhibitor agent, or the sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof, as described herein, on the surface or at least a part of the surface of the post-harvest underground-growing vegetables.

[0069] The sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, ora combination thereof may be applied using methods that are known in the field such as cold fogging, hot fogging, fumigation, vaporisation, nebulization, spray treatment, or a combination thereof. To apply or use the sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, ora combination thereof, as described herein, cold or hot fogging may be preferred. When applying is performed using cold or hot fogging, cold or hot fogging may be performed at a temperature between about 0 °C and about 300 °C. Cold or hot fogging may be performed at a temperature of about 0°C, 25°C, 50°C, 75°C, 100°C, 125°C, 150°C, 175°C, 200°C, 225°C, 250°C, 275°C, 300°C. Hot fogging may be performed at a temperature of about 100 °C to about 300 °C; at a temperature of about 150 °C to about 275 °C; and / or at a temperature of about 170 °C to about 235 °C. Hot fogging may be performed at a temperature of about 200 °C or at a temperature of 200 °C.

[0070] The selected method for applying the sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof may advantageouslyallow for droplets of a size of 15 pm or less to be generated and applied to the surface or part thereof of the post-harvest vegetables. This may advantageously cause that the applied sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, orbornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, ora combination thereof does not runoff on the surface of post-harvest vegetables. In view of this, the droplets may be of a size of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 pm, ora combination thereof. The droplets may be of a size of 0.1 pm to 50 pm; 0.1 pm to 20 pm; or 0.1 pm to 10 pm.

[0071] The sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof, when applied or used, does not or is free of runoff on the surface of post-harvest underground-growing vegetables.

[0072] When vaporized, nebulized, fumigated or applied by cold fogging, hot fogging, fumigation, vaporisation, nebulization, spray treatment, the sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, orbornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, ora combination thereof may be ata concentration of about 125 ppm to about 500 ppm, of about 125 ppm to about 300 ppm, or of about 300 ppm to about 500 ppm. The sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof may be at a concentration of from about 75 ppm to about 1000 ppm, about 75 ppm to about 950 ppm, about 75 ppm to about 900 ppm, about 75 ppm to about 850 ppm, about 75 ppm to about 800 ppm, about 75 ppm to about 750 ppm, about 75 ppm to about 700 ppm, about 100 ppm to about 700 ppm, about 100 ppm to about 650 ppm, about 100 ppm to about 600 ppm, about 100 ppm to about 550 ppm, about 100 ppm to about 500 ppm, about 125 ppm to about 700 ppm, about 125 ppm to about 650 ppm, about 125 ppm to about 600 ppm, about 125 ppm to about 550 ppm, or anywhere in between. The sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof may be at a concentration of about 125 ppm, about 300 ppm or about 500 ppm. The sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof may be at a concentration of about 75 ppm, 100 ppm, 125 ppm, 150 ppm, 175 ppm, 200 ppm, 225 ppm, 250 ppm, 275 ppm, 300 ppm, 325 ppm, 350 ppm, 375 ppm, 400 ppm, 425 ppm, 450 ppm, 475 ppm, 500 ppm, 525 ppm, 550 ppm, 575 ppm, 600 ppm, 625 ppm, 650 ppm, 675 ppm, 700 ppm, 725 ppm, 750 ppm, 775 ppm, 800 ppm, 825 ppm, 850 ppm, 875 ppm, 900 ppm, 925 ppm, 950 ppm, 975 ppm, or 1000 ppm, or anywhere in between.

[0073] The sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof may be applied to post-harvest vegetable at any time following the harvest of the vegetable. Preferably, the sprout inhibitor agent is applied in a closed room or enclosed area, and / or is applied in a regular storage area such as an industrial or commercial storage area.

[0074] The step of applying the sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, ora combination thereof may be performed after dormancy period of the post-harvest underground-growing vegetables. Post-harvest underground-growing vegetables, including potatoes, usually undergo a dormancy period during which the potato will not sprout. The length of the dormancy period may depend on the crop variety and / or on the conditions in which the potatoes grew (ex. temperature and water supply), but this dormancy is normally of several weeks or months long. During the dormancy period, the potato tubers are dormant, they do not sprout. The dormancy period may be altered by human intervention. For example, the dormancy period of a postharvest potato variety can be lengthened by storing the potatoes at lower temperatures when compared to potatoes of the same variety stored at higher temperatures. Therefore, the end of the dormancy period may occur when 80% of the potatoes have at least one sprout that is less than 2 mm long. The step of applying the sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof may be performed during the peeping stage or at the time of sprout appearance. The step of applying the sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, ora combination thereof may be performed when at least one sprout is at least 2 mm long. The step of applying the sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof may be performed when the Sprouting Index (SI) of at least one sprout is of at least 3.

[0075] The step of applying the sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof may be performed during the peeping stage or at the time of sprout appearance. The “peeping stage” of an underground-growing vegetable or potato corresponds to when a sprout of 2 mm long or less is detected on a potato.

[0076] The step of applying the sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof may be repeated more than once. For example, the step of applying the sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof may be performed more than once, that is two times, three times, four times, five times, etc. The number of times the step of applying the sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof is repeated may depend on the potato variety and / or on the length of the storage period.

[0077] The step of applying the sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, ora combination thereof may be performed at least every 20 days, at least every 25 days, at least every 30 days, at least every 35 days, at least every 40 days, at least every 45 days, at least every 50 days, at least every 55 days, at least every 60 days, at least every 65days, at least every 70 days, at least every 75 days, at least every 80 days at least every 85 days, at least every 90 days, at least every 95 days, at least every 100 days, at least every 105 days, at least every 110 days, at least every 115 days, at least every 120 days, at least every 125 days, at least every 130 days, at least every 135 days, at least every 140 days, at least every 145 days, at least every 150 days, or anywhere in between. The step of applying the sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof may be performed every 20 days, 21 days, 22 days, 23 days, 24 days, 25 days, 26 days, 27 days, 28 days, 29 days, 30 days, 31 days, 32 days, 33 days, 34 days, 35 days, 36 days, 37 days, 38 days, 39 days, 40 days, 41 days, 42 days, 43 days, 44 days, 45 days, 46 days, 47 days, 48 days, 49 days, 50 days, 51 days, 52 days, 53 days, 54 days, 55 days, 56 days, 57 days, 58 days, 59 days, 60 days, 61 days, 62 days, 63 days, 64 days, 65 days, 66 days, 67 days, 68 days, 69 days, 70 days, 71 days, 72 days, 73 days, 74 days, 75 days, 76 days, 77 days, 78 days, 79 days, 80 days, 81 days, 82 days, 83 days, 84 days, 85 days, 86 days, 87 days, 88 days, 89 days, 90 days, 91 days, 92 days, 93 days, 94 days, 95 days, 96 days, 97 days, 98 days, 99 days, 100 days, 101 days, 102 days, 103 days, 104 days, 105 days, 106 days, 107 days, 108 days, 109 days, 110 days, 111 days, 112 days, 113 days, 114 days, 115 days, 116 days, 117 days, 118 days, 119 days, 120 days, 121 days, 122 days, 123 days, 124 days, 125 days, 126 days, 127 days, 128 days, 129 days, 130 days, 131 days, 132 days, 133 days, 134 days, 135 days, 136 days, 137 days, 138 days, 139 days, 140 days, 141 days, 142 days, 143 days, 144 days, 145 days, 146 days, 147 days, 148 days, 149 days, or 150 days.

[0078] The step of applying the sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof may be performed at least every 20 to 150 days, at least every 20 to 140 days, at least every 20 to 130 days, at least every 20 to 120 days, at least every 20 to 110 days, at least every 20 to 100 days, at least every 20 to 90 days, at least every 20 to 80 days, at least every 20 to 70 days, at least every 20 to 60 days, at least every 20 to 50 days, at least every 20 to 40 days, at least every 20 to 30 days, at least every 30 to 100 days, at least every 30 to 90 days, at least every 30 to 80 days, at least every 30 to 70 days, at least every 30 to 60 days, at least every 30 to 50 days, at least every 30 to 40 days, at least every 40 to 100 days, at least every 40 to 90 days, at least every 40 to 80 days, at least every 40 to 70 days, at least every 40 to 60 days, at least every 40 to 50 days, at least every 50 to 100 days, at least every 50 to 90 days, at least every 50 to 80 days, at least every 50 to 70 days, at least every 50 to 60 days, at least every 60 to 100 days, at least every 60 to 90 days, at least every 60 to 80 days, at least every 60 to 70 days, at least every 60 to 65 days, at least every 70 to 100 days at least every 70 to 90 days at least every 70 to 80 days at least every 70 to 75 days, at least every 80 to 100 days, at least every 80 to 90 days, at least every 80 to 85 days, at least every 85 to 100 days, at least every 85 to 95 days, at least every 85 to 90 days, at least every 90 to 100 days, at least every 90 to 95 days or at least every 95 to 100 days.

[0079] Following a first application, the step of applying the sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof may be repeated once the post-harvest underground-growing vegetables reach a second peeping stage or at the time at least one new sprout or more is detected.

[0080] The step of applying the sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof on the surface of the post-harvest underground-growing vegetables may be performed on any underground-growing vegetables. A non-exhaustive list of post-harvest underground-growing vegetables comprise potato, sweet potato, onions, carrots, parsnip, beetroot, taro, turnip or rutabaga. Preferably, the underground-growing vegetable is potatoes. The potatoes may be of any provenance, cultivar or variety. Non-limiting examples of potato cultivars include Chieftain, Alliston, Mystere, Caribou, Russet Burbank, and Goldrush.

[0081] Described herein is also a post-harvest underground-growing vegetable or tuber comprising, on at least a part of a surface thereof, the sprout inhibitor described herein.EXAMPLES

[0082] A number of examples are provided herein below illustrating the use of the sprouting inhibitor agents of the present disclosure. The following non-limiting examples are illustrative of the present disclosure.EXAMPLE 1SPROUTING INDEX CALCULATION

[0083] The calculation of the Sprouting Index (SI) allowed for categorization of the sprouting development stage of a sprout. To calculate the SI, the length of the longest sprout found on a postharvest underground-growing vegetable was measured and categorized as N, A, B, C, D or E, wherein N= not sprouted; A = 2 mm; B = 3 to 5 mm; C = 6 to 10 mm; D = 11 to 20 mm; E>20 mm. The SI was then calculated as follows:_ [(%N x 0) + (%A x 2) + (%B x 3.5) + (%C x 7.5) + (%D x 15) + (%E x 40)]SI“ 100A SI inferior to 10 indicates that potatoes may be sold for the processing sector and when below 5, potatoes may be intended for fresh markets.EXAMPLE 2SCREENING FOR ANTI-SPROUTING EFFECT OF DIFFERENT COMPONENTS OF BLACK SPRUCE ESSENTIAL OIL

[0084] Preliminary experiments indicated that black spruce essential oil (BSEO) inhibited sprouting of post-harvest potatoes. BSEO is expensive, difficult to procure in large amounts, and presents challenges for large-scale industrial application, the anti-sprouting effect of isolated active molecules present in BSEO was investigated. Post-harvest stored potatoes were vaporized with the different isolated active molecules of BSEO, including a-pinene, camphene, bornyl acetate, isobomyle acetate, carene, p-pinene, and limonene (all at a 5% w / w concentration). As controls, water (as negative control), Cl PC and BSEO 10 % w / w (as positive controls) were used. Surprisingly, the borneol ester bornyl acetate (BA) and its isomer isobornyle acetate (IA) were found to inhibit sprouting at least as much as BSEO and CIPC (Fig. 1 A). The chemical structure of BA and its isomer isobornyle acetate IA are depicted in Fig. 1 B.EXAMPLE 3EFFICACY OF FUMIGATED ISOBORNYLE ACETATE COMPARED WITH COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE ANTI-SPROUTING FORMULATIONS

[0085] To determine the amount of the monoterpene ester IA to be applied to the post-harvest underground-growing vegetable, the following experiment was performed. Approximately one ton of potatoes of the Goldrush cultivar were stored in a closed room. Sprouting Index was measured and the potatoes were fumigated using different formulations, as described in Table 1. A solution of isobornyle acetate (IA) admixed with propylene glycol was prepared to reach a volume of 267 mL. Hot fumigation was performed using a thermal aerosol applicator coupled to a peristaltic pump. Using this apparatus, a homogenous fog comprising droplets of a size of less than 15 pm was generated and introduced into the closed room, allowing fora uniform application of the formulation in the closed room and ensuring there was no runoff of the formulations on the surface of the potatoes. For fumigation of IA, concentrations of 125 ppm, 300 ppm and 500 ppm were used. Fumigation of the hot fog (200 °C) was performed for 30 minutes at an 8.9 mL / min rate. Comparative products (Biox-M, Aerosol 100, SmartBlock® and CIPC) were also admixed with propylene glycol and applied by hot fumigation. In the case of the potatoes treated with Aerosol 100, a second application of Aerosol 100 (100 ppm) was performed after 37 days.Formulation Name Description Concentration(s) IA Isobornyl acetate 125, 300, or 500 ppmBSEO Black spruce essential oil 500 ppmBiox-M Mint essential oil 90 ppmAerosol 100 Clove essential oil 38-90 ppmSmartBlock 3-Decen-2-one 124 ppmCIPC Chlorpropham 22 ppmTable 1: Fumigated Formulations

[0086] Following treatment, the potatoes remained in the closed room for48h. The potatoes were then transferred to a regular commercial storage room. Following the application of the formulation, the SI was calculated approximately every 15 days, for a period of approximately 4.5 months. For each measurement, 10 potatoes per treatment (formulation) were used. The SI was calculated according to Example 1.

[0087] The results are shown in Fig. 2. Treatment of IA formulated at 125 ppm, 300 ppm and 500 ppm successfully inhibited the sprouting of potato tubers when compared with the control formulations.EXAMPLE 4ANTI-SPROUTING ACTION OF ISOBORNYL ACETATEACROSS DIFFERENT POTATO CULTIVARS

[0088] It is known that the anti-sprouting effect of an agent or product can vary from one potato variety to another. To evaluate the anti-sprouting effect of IA formulations across a range of potato cultivars, an experiment similar to the one described in Example 3 was performed. The results are presented in Table 2, which shows the number of days following the application of a first treatment and before a second treatment was required (“Treatment 1”), and the number of days following the second treatment (“Treatment 2”). For example, 57 days passed before the Mystere potato cultivar required a second treatment with IA. In the case of IA formulated at 125 ppm, 69 days passed after a second treatment was applied, during which no further treatment was required.

[0089] In the case of the first and subsequent treatments, the treatment was deemed necessary when the SI of at least one potato was equal or above 3. The results show that for certain cultivars, two applications of the formulated IA were required to keep the SI at 3 or less for the entire storage period. For the cultivar Goldrush, a single application of the formulated IA at 125 ppm, 300 ppm or 500 ppm was sufficient.Formulation 3-Russet1-Mystere 2-Caribou 4-Goldrush BurbankIsobornyl acetate 125 ppmTreatment 1 57 57 61 >137 Treatment 2 69 42 55 - Average 63 50 58 - Isobornyl acetate 300 ppmTreatment 1 57 57 61 >137 Treatment 2 90 90 55 - Average 74 74 58 - Isobornyl acetate 500 ppmTreatment 1 57 57 61 >137 Treatment 2 90 69 55 - Average 74 63 58 - BSEO 500 ppmTreatment 1 71 83 61 >137 Treatment 2 76 - 76 - Average 74 83 69 - Biox-MTreatment 1 48 48 61 137 Treatment 2 51 51 42 - Average 50 50 52 137 SmartBlockTreatment 1 71 71 88 >137 Treatment 2 76 76 - -Average 74 74 88 - able 2: Number of days following a first treatment and, optionally, followinga second treatment.EXAMPLE 5EFFICACY OF INTENSIVE TREATMENT OF THE ANTI-SPROUTING AGENT

[0090] In some cases, the anti-sprouting agent can be used in an intensive manner, such as in the case of excessive or advanced sprouting occurring on post-harvest underground-growing vegetables.

[0091] To evaluate the efficacy of the monoterpene ester IA to inhibit excessive sprouting in potato, the following experiment was performed. Approximately one ton of potatoes of the Caribou cultivar were stored in a closed room. The anti-sprouting agent comprising monoterpene ester IA was formulated at 125 ppm, 300 ppm, 500 ppm, and applied as described in Example 3. Other formulations were also applied. The results are shown in Fig. 3. The day before the first treatment (Day 0), thepotatoes had a sprouting index (SI) of 17 to 34. Two weeks later, following the first treatment, the SI had unexpectedly been reduced to 0 for both the 300 ppm and 500 ppm IA formulations. The 125 ppm IA formulation also unexpectedly reduced the SI, and the values were reduced to 0 after a month. For IA at 125 ppm, 300 ppm and 500 ppm, a second application was required after 42, 90 and 69 days, respectively. For Biox-M and Smartblock, a second application was also required after 51 days and 76 days, respectively. Finally, for Aerosol 100, a second and a third treatment were required, after 48 and 22 days, respectively.

[0092] While preferred embodiments have been described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made without departing from this disclosure. Such modifications are considered as possible variants comprised in the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A sprout inhibitor agent comprising:a monoterpene ester consisting of bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, ora combination thereof; anda carrier.

2. The sprout inhibitor agent of claim 1 , wherein the carrier comprises an alcohol, a glycol, an oil, or any combination thereof.

3. The sprout inhibitor agent of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a growth regulator, an essential oil, or any combination thereof.

4. The sprout inhibitor agent of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein concentration of said monoterpene ester is from about 90 to about 99 %, about 95 % to about 99 %, about 96 % to about 99 %, about 97 to about 99 %, about 98 % to about 99 %, or about 99 % to about 99.9 % w / w of the total weight of the sprout inhibitor agent.5 A sprouting inhibition composition comprising:the sprout inhibitor agent of any one of claims 1 to 4, andoptionally, an agriculturally acceptable carrier;wherein application of the sprouting inhibition composition inhibits sprouting of post-harvest underground-growing vegetables.6 The sprout inhibitor agent of any one of claims 1 to 4, or the sprouting inhibition composition of claim 5, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, ora combination thereof, for use in inhibiting sprouting in post-harvest underground-growing vegetables.7 Use of the sprout inhibitor agent of any one of claims 1 to 4, or the sprouting inhibition composition of claim 5, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof for inhibiting sprouting, in post-harvest underground-growing vegetables.8 A method for inhibiting sprouting in post-harvest underground-growing vegetables comprising the step of applying the sprout inhibitor agent of any one of claims 1 to 4, or the sprouting inhibitioncomposition of claim 5, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, ora combination thereof, on a surface or at least a part of a surface of the post-harvest underground-growing vegetables.

9. A method of enhancing post-harvest storage of post-harvest underground-growing vegetables, comprising the step of applying the sprout inhibitor agent of any one of claims 1 to 4, or the sprouting inhibition composition of claim 5, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, ora combination thereof, on a surface or at least a part of a surface of the post-harvest underground-growing vegetables.

10. The sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof for use of claim 6, the use of claim 7, or the method of claim 8 or 9, wherein applying or use comprises cold fogging, hot fogging, fumigation, vaporisation, nebulization, spray treatment, or a combination thereof.

11. The sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof for use, or the use, or the method of claim 10, wherein applying or use is hot fogging.

12. The sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof for use of claim 6 or the use of claim 7, or the method of claim 8 or 9, wherein applying or the use comprises droplets of a size of 15 pm or less.

13. The sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof for use of claim 6, the use of claim 7, or the method of claim 8 or 9, wherein applying or use is free of runoff on the post-harvest underground-growing vegetables.

14. The sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof for use of claim 6, the use of claim 7, or the method of claim 8 or 9, wherein use is at a concentration of about 100 ppm to about 1000 ppm, about 100 ppm to about 500 ppm or of about 300 ppm to about 500 ppm.

15. The sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof for use of claim 6, the use of claim 7, or the method of claim 8 or 9, wherein use is at a concentration of about 125 ppm, about 300 ppm or about 500 ppm.

16. The sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof for use of claim 6, the use of claim 7, or the method of claim 8 or 9, wherein applying or use is performed- after dormancy period of the post-harvest underground-growing vegetables;- during the peeping stage or at the time of sprout appearance;- when at least one sprout is at least 2 mm long,- when the Sprouting Index (SI) of at least one sprout is at least 3, or- any combination thereof.

17. The sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof for use of claim 6, the use of claim 7, or the method of claim 8 or 9, wherein applying or use is repeated more than one time.

18. The sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof for use of claim 6, the use of claim 7, or the method of claim 8 or 9, wherein applying or use is performed at least every 20 to 60 days, at least every 20 to 50 days, at least every 20 to 40 days, at least every 20 to 30 days, at least every 20 days, at least every 25 days at least every 30 days, at least every 35 days, at least every 40 days, at least every 45 days, at least every 50 days, at least every 55 days, at least every 60 days, at least every 65 days, at least every 70 days, at least every 75 days, at least every 80 days, at least every 85 days, at least every 90 days, at least every 95 days, or at least every 100 days.

19. The sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof for use of claim 6, the use of claim 7, or the method of claim 8 or 9, wherein applying or use is repeated during the peeping stage or when at least one sprout of 2 mm in length is detected.

20. The sprout inhibitor agent, sprouting inhibition composition, or bornyle acetate, isobornyle acetate, or a combination thereof for use of claim 6, the use of claim 7, or the method of claim 8 or 9, wherein post-harvest underground-growing vegetables comprise potato, sweet potato, or onions.

21. A post-harvest underground-growing vegetable comprising, on at least a part of a surface thereof, the sprout inhibitor agent of any one of claims 1 to 4, or the sprouting inhibition composition of claim 5.

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