Preparation of methyl salicylate nanoemulsion and its application in sprouting inhibition on potato tubers.

Sprouting of potato tubers is accompanied by the accumulation of toxic solanine. In this study, a methyl salicylate (MeSA) nanoemulsion was prepared using ultrasonic emulsification, and its effect on potato tuber sprouting was investigated. Results showed that the optimum preparation conditions of MeSA nanoemulsion were as follows: surfactant concentration, 5.02 %; MeSA concentration, 9.79 %; ultrasonic power, 428.03 W; and ultrasonic time, 3.79 min. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and rheological properties of the emulsion showed that MeSA was successfully embedded in the nanoemulsion with a good stability. After treatment with MeSA nanoemulsion at 25 °C, the initial sprouting time of potato (Favorita) was effectively delayed for 9 d, with sprouting rate of 20.95 %, whereas other treatments had sprouting rate of 100 %. In addition, the MeSA nanoemulsion maintained the quality of potato tubers. This indicated that the preparation of the nanoemulsion enhanced the sprouting inhibition effect of MeSA.