Forty years of potato research: highlights, achievements and prospects

Summary The highlights and achievements of 40 years of potato research in agronomy; genetics, breeding and varietal assessment; physiology; pathology (including nematology); virology; engineering; and utilization are reviewed and the prospects for new developments are analysed. In all disciplines progress has been impressive and has changed the potato industry dramatically. Yet, some old problems remain unsolved (Phytophthora infestans, blackspot) or are returning (cyst and other nematodes) and new problems have arisen (e. g. volunteer potatoes, new strains of PVY, virulent cold-resistant strains ofPseudomonas solanacearum). The potato industry faces new challenges from society (environmentally safe production) and the consumers (improved quality). Farmers, researchers and processors have access to many new exciting techniques, tools and opportunities, such as precision farming, genetic engineering, molecular detection and analytical techniques, integrated chain management, novel preservation and processing methods. The problems and opportunities both warrant a continued effort in potato research.