Application of zein-based germination inhibitors in potato postharvest storage

To address the problem of potato germination during postharvest storage, we prepared a series of zein-based germination inhibitors and tested their inhibitory effects on germination. The germination inhibitors were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), hydrophobicity, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The results demonstrate that the germination inhibitors can form a hydrophobic film on the surface of potatoes, thereby reducing contact with, and absorption of, water. The application of an optimal germination inhibitor at a final zein concentration of 1.25 g/L was shown to reduce the germination rate of potatoes by 54% after 30 d of storage compared with the control group. In addition, the plant germination rate, height, and stem diameter of potatoes treated with the germination inhibitor were similar to those of the control group in the subsequent planting process, indicating that the germination inhibitor had no effect on potato cultivation. This study provides a safe and effective method for the post-harvest storage of potatoes, which has broad commercial applications.