Outbreak of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis in Southern Italy
In June 1997, severe symptoms of bacterial canker were observed in several fields of tomato in Puglia and Basilicata (Southern Italy). The causal agent was identified as Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) on the basis of morphological, serological characters and pathogenicity tests. The disease was found in Foggia, San Severo, Lucera, Minervino Murge, Montalbano Ionico, Piticci in more than 100 ha with an incidence of approximately 50 %. Although this bacterium has been reported in other places in Italy, this is the first time it is observed in Puglia and Basilicata (with the exception of a very limited case 15 years ago). It was noted that only tomato cv. Rebecca was infected, and that the young plants used in the infected fields came from the same nursery. This led to the assumption that this outbreak is linked with the use of a contaminated seed lot.
Sources
Cariddi, C. (1997) [Severe infections of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis in tomato field plants in Apulia and Basilicata (Southern Italy)]
Informatore Fitopatologico, no. 12, 42-46.