2019
521 varieties marketed in Germany
21st century
80% of potato varieties resistant to diseases and pests
1986
First gene transfer is carried out in potatoes
1982
Introduction of the ELISA test for (plant) testing for virus infestation
1961
Cultivation approval of the first nematode-resistant variety
1942
Cultivation approval of the first potato variety with crossed Phytophthora resistance
1935
Immigration of the Colorado potato beetle from France / establishment of a "defense service"
1920
First quarantine regulation against potato cancer
1913
First potato crab resistant variety
1866: Mendelian rules
In crossing experiments with peas, Gregor Mendel discovered the laws of heredity. They are still the basis of all plant breeding today.
19th century
Famine in Ireland (because of late blight: Phytophthora inf.), then selection of a first resistant variety, famine due to grain crop failures in Germany, then expansion of potato cultivation
18th century
Distribution of seed potatoes by Frederick II and enactment of the Potato Order
17th century
Cultivated as food in Great Britain, especially Ireland, potato as an ornamental plant in Central Europe
16th century
Potatoes from Peru and Chile reach Europe
3000 BC
Andean people cultivate potatoes