Zaaizaad en pootgoed in de Nederlandse landbouw

The annual input for seed was about 7.5 % of the total cost of the crop; selection and testing of new varieties costed only 0. 1 %; plant breeding increased the return from field crops by at least + % annually. After an introduction to the theme of which these are some of the main results there are 8 further chapters, dealing with: standards for seed; use and handling of seed; purchase of seed by farmers; local and regional seed exhibitions; introduction of new crops and varieties; field inspection of crops for seed; the Plant Breeders' Decree (1941); the marketing of Dutch seeds and seed potatoes. Changes in the testing of seeds and seed potatoes are sketched for the last three quarters of a century. Measures, which Dutch breeders, seed-growers, seed-merchants and the government were taking to improve varieties, seeds and seed potatoes are reviewed and discussed.