A.J. Haverkort - Böcker

This text examines both the crop ecology and the modelling of a broad range of biotic and abiotic factors. These factors include environmental factors, such as temperature, solar radiation and carbon dioxide, as well as air- and soil-borne diseases and pest. The use of models in practice (decision-support systems) and in science (modelling sustainability and agro-ecological zoning) is treated. Although the potato crop is used as an example, this book provides the current state of knowledge of both the crop physiology and modelling of a field-grown crop and as such is of interest to any scientist dealing with field-grown crops.

This book contains the proceedings of the Potato 2005 conference, held in Emmeloord, The Netherlands. This conference offered a platform to a diverse group of stakeholders in the potato industry to learn what science has to offer. At the same time it created an environment for scientists to learn what drives the industry in the rapidly changing world of the potato. The contributions in this book reflect the rapid developments both in the industry and in science. The nutritional aspects of the potato tuber are discussed as well as the volatile consumer moods in saturated or new markets. Latest developments in potato breeding and seed potato production are highlighted and these contributions underline how these potato sectors have been revolutionized. The present and future role of decision support systems in managing inputs of nitrogen and water and in managing pests (and thus in making potato production more sustainable) is described. Several innovations in technology development in potato production and storage are illustrated. Experts provide the latest news on crop protection, with a focus on developments in the control of the potato brown rot bacterium and late blight. Finally the trends in potato trade are described. This book shows that the potato crop is progressing globally - with increasing impact on food supply and added value - providing many opportunities for science to meet practice.

"This book discusses developments in the potato industry in a rapidly changing Europe. The European Union expanded recently with ten additional countries of which many are major potato producing countries. The papers in this book reflect societal and commercial changes such as consumer behaviour and marketing aspects in relation to fresh and processed potatoes in western, central and eastern Europe. Seed trade between western and central Europe is entering a new stage with altered inspection requirements, quarantine regulations and variety needs and acceptance. Resistance to diseases present in varieties in central and eastern Europe needs to be coupled to consumer and processor acceptance. Retailers and processors, Europe wide, lead the way at the global level to establish labels and certificates to assure food safety and sustainability. The technical part of the books treats improving the use of chemical fertilisers and crop protection agents increasingly aided by precision farming techniques. Modern molecular breeding techniques for improved resistance and quality are highlighted and their perspectives are shown for breeding programs Europe wide. The book concludes with developments in the potato supply chain, marketing and research and developments in a representative number of central European countries. It shows how each potato industry in transition deals with the socio-economic and environmental situation in varying degrees of development to adapt to a changing Europe."