CHAPTER 17: Detection of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis in Tomato Seeds

Bacterial canker, caused by Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, is one of the world’s most important tomato diseases. The disease was first reported in 1910 in the United States and has subsequently been observed in most tomato-producing regions worldwide. Although C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis may survive in soil and other hosts, tomato seed is considered the most important source of primary inoculum. There is general agreement that worldwide distribution of the pathogen is the result of movement of contaminated seed. Disease symptoms, management methods, and a protocol for pathogen detection are included in this chapter.