The Netherlands, nematodes and potatoes; old problems are here again

The Netherlands have to cope with old and some new polyphagous nematode problems. A nematode control strategy based on an economically sound crop rotation scheme to diminish the use of nematicides is necessary. For the development of such a strategy. knowledge about host suitability and damage relationships of the various crops and weeds has to be revised and adapted for new varieties and new cultural practices. For this purpose information gathered during the 1950's and the 1960's has to be revised. With respect to the new nematode problems such information has to be obtained. In this integrated pest management strategy nematicides are only applied when necessary and serve in this as a complementary emergency tool. With such an approach in The Netherlands the use of nematicides has already dropped markedly