Outbreak of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis in Burgenland, Austria
Outbreaks of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (EPPO A2 List) are occasionally reported in Austria but they are always subject to eradication measures (see EPPO RS 2008/035 and 2008/214). The bacterium was detected in 2009 in one sample of tomato seeds (Lycopersicon esculentum cv. ‘Kremser Perle’) which had been produced in 2008 in Burgenland. Field inspections carried out during the vegetation period in 2008 had not detected any disease symptoms. Since the pre-basic seeds used to produce the infected lot had tested negative, the source of contamination remains unknown. The following phytosanitary measures were taken to eradicate the disease: destruction of the seed lot, disinfection of all machinery and tools, prohibition to grow solanaceous plants for the next three years, increase of official inspections in the vicinity of the production site in 2009.
The pest status of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis in Austria is officially declared as follows: Isolated outbreak, eradicated.
Sources
NPPO of Austria, 2009-05.