Transcriptomic analysis of the sprout-suppressive effects of rosemary essential oil on potato tubers

Postharvest sprouting of potato tubers compromises food safety and causes economic losses. This study employed RNA-seq to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which rosemary essential oil (REO) suppresses postharvest sprouting in potato tubers (cultivar 'Keshan'). Tubers were divided into two groups at the onset of storage: a control group and a group treated with REO fumigation. Transcriptomic profiles were analyzed at two time points: at day 0 (baseline) and after 40 days of storage. This design allowed for the identification of differentially expressed genes in response to both storage time and REO treatment, with a specific focus on pathways related to plant hormone signaling and carbohydrate metabolism.