Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus found on tomato in Belgium
The NPPO of Belgium recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the detection of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus (EPPO A2 List) in glasshouse tomatoes in the province of Antwerp. The bacterium was found in 1 greenhouse of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum cv. ‘Merlice’) grown on substrate for fruit production. Suspicious symptoms were observed by the grower on 2014-05-13 on several tomato plants (10 successive plants from 1 row) in his greenhouse and the identity of the bacterium was confirmed on 2014-08-28. The analysis was performed in accordance with EU Directive 93/85/EEC. It is noted that the tomato plants for planting originated in another EU member state. As this is the first report of a natural infection of C. michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus on tomato plants, research is being performed to identify the origin of the infection and to characterize the causal agent. Traceability studies have been carried out, but no positive results were obtained when testing lots related to the infected plants. Eradication measures have been taken.
The pest status of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus in Belgium is officially declared as: On tomato: Transient, actionable, under eradication. On potato: Absent: pest eradicated.
Sources
NPPO of Belgium (2014-10).