A case history: Hundred years of potato production in Europe with special reference to the Netherlands

The production of potatoes has become important in Europe, especially since the 19th century. Since 1850 the yield of ware potatoes increased in The Netherlands from approximately 10 t ha^?1 to the present level of 45 t ha^?1. This was achieved by various improvements in production techniques. Several breakthroughs were accomplished in breeding for host resistance against pathogens. The current use of pesticides (nematicides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.) is high in potato production, at least in The Netherlands, particularly due to the use of fumigants to control nematodes in the starch potato growing areas. The Dutch government adopted objectives with respect to general reductions in the use of pesticides and the leaching of nutrients (nitrate). Adaptations in cultural measures are required to meet these objectives and to arrive at more sustainable systems of production in the future. In this paper special attention is given to past and present problems and possibilities with respect to cyst nematodes, late blight, wart, Colorado potato beetle, nitrogen nutrition, weed control, haulm destruction and sprout suppression.