Bacterial Canker of Tomato: Current Knowledge of Detection, Management, Resistance, and Interactions

Abstract

Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis is the causal agent of bacterial canker of tomato. The disease was first described in 1910 in Michigan, USA. C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (from now on called clavibacter) was initially thought to be a phloem parasite, but was later found to be a xylem-invading bacterium. The host range comprises mainly solanaceous crops such as tomato, pepper, and eggplant. Strains show great variability in virulence and are usually described as being hypervirulent, hypovirulent, or nonvirulent. Clavibacter lacks a type III secretion system, and only a few virulence factors have been experimentally determined from the many putative virulence factors. As the molecular mode of infection by clavibacter is unknown, researchers have avoided intensive work on this organism. Genetic plant mechanisms conferring resistance to clavibacter are apparently complex, and breeders have yet to develop disease-resistant cultivars.

Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis strains from central Chile exhibit low genetic diversity and sequence types match strains in other parts of the world

“…michiganensis (Cmm) is one of the most destructive bacterial diseases in tomato. It was reported for the first time by Smith in 1910 in Michigan, USA, and is currently distributed worldwide (De León et al ., ; Sen et al ., ). The European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) classified this bacterium as a quarantine microorganism based on the severity of the disease and the difficulties in controlling the pathogen (http://www.eppo.int/QUARANTINE/listA2.htm; Eichenlaub & Gartemann, ).…”

“…The origin of the Cmm outbreaks and dissemination is a controversial subject among producers, plant nurseries and fruit growers. The pathogen is transmitted by infested and infected seeds and infested plant debris (Sen et al ., ). Cmm can enter plant tissue through the stomata, hydathodes, roots and damaged tissues, including injured trichomes (Carlton et al ., ; Jones et al ., ).…”

Multiple plasmid‐borne virulence genes of Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. capsici critical for disease development in pepper

“…Clavibacter michiganensis, a Gram-positive plant-pathogenic bacterium, belongs to the actinobacteria and causes a variety of diseases in economically important agricultural crops, such as wheat, maize, tomatoes, potatoes, and red and green peppers, resulting in substantial economic losses worldwide (Eichenlaub & Gartemann, 2011;Sen et al, 2015). Among several subspecies within this bacterial species, C. michiganensis ssp.…”

Studies on Bacterial Canker (Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis) of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

“…michiganensis grows optimally at 25°C. The optimum temperature range for bacterial canker of tomato has also been observed between 25-30 0 C (Anon., 2013; Sen et al, 2015).…”