Abstract: A method of controlling sprout formation in tubers includes application of CIPC and carvone or application of CIPC and benzothiazole and then storing the treated tubers. In a preferred embodiment of the method, tubers to be placed in storage are treated with a composition of CIPC and carvone or CIP and benzothiazole utilizing thermal fogging techniques, with the average effective residue of CIPC on the tubers of approximately 16.6 ppm. When the tubers are to be used to growth tuber-producing plants, for example, when the tubers are to be used as seed potatoes, after removal from storage, the seed potatoes are treated with ethylene at planting, thereby stimulating sprout growth.

Abstract: Compositions which include a mixture of CIPC and at least one substituted naphthalene are disclosed. The compositions of the present invention are adapted for inhibiting sprout growth in tubers. When so used, the preferred substituted naphthalene in the compositions of the present invention are dimethylnaphthalene (DMN) and diisopropylnaphthalene (DIPN). A method of applying a CIPC/naphthalene mixture is also disclosed. In a preferred embodiment of the method, tubers to be placed in storage are treated with a composition of CIPC and a substituted naphthalene utilizing thermal fogging techniques, with the average effective residue of CIPC on the tubers of from approximately 21 ppm to 2.5 ppm. In the preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of average effective residue of CIPC to the substituted naphthalene is from approximately 1:1 to 1:4.