30 



DISEASE EESISTANCE OF POTATOES. 



Two points brought out l)y the foregoing table are worthy of espe- 

 cial note: First, the remarkable success of one man in producing four 

 of these eight varieties, showing that there is something more than 

 chance in their development; second, the comparatively recent origin 

 of all. For the latter fact there is probably a double explanation: (1) 

 The loss of disease resistance with age of the variety; (2) the remark- 

 able activit}^ of British potato breeders during the last few years, with 

 the aim above all else of securing increased disease resistance. 



It should be remarked that there are a number of more recent intro- 

 ductions which promise to rank with the best of these varieties, but 

 they have not as yet been so fully tested. 



GERMANY AND HOLLAND. 



The potato-growing industries of Germany and Holland have much 

 in common, and similar or identical varieties are used. Data were not 

 available for making so definite a selection as in Great Britain. The 

 following are probably representatives of the highest grade of disease 

 resistance achieved: 



Table II.— The most disease-resistant varieties of potatoes in Germany and Holland. 



The first five varieties have been imported from Germany. All of 

 these are of the white-fleshed, starch-rich type which is being devel- 

 oped there primarily for factory rather than for table use. They are, 

 however, reputed to be of fair qualitj^ except, perhaps, in the case of 

 Irene. These, like the British varieties, are of comparatively recent 

 introduction. 



The Holland varieties are of a similar t3^pe except that Eigenheimer 

 has a vellowish-tinted flesh. 



FRANCE AND BELGIUM. 



The conditions are similar in France and Belgium. Neither countiy 

 has varieties of much promise for trial in our Northern States. In 

 Belgium the varieties recommended as being most highly resistant to 

 blight and rot were the recentl}' originated- German factory types like 

 those already mentioned, to which might be added Topas and Pro- 

 fessor Maercker. The verdict in France was similar, Professor 

 Maercker again being commended, along with the English varieties 



