Soil solarization to control Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis
In Greece, trials have been carried out to assess the efficacy of soil solarization against Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (EPPO A2 quarantine list) in plastic houses of tomatoes during two successive cropping seasons. Soil solarization was achieved by covering the plots with transparent polyethylene sheets during approximately 6 weeks (in July and August). The results showed that disease incidence could be drastically reduced throughout the cropping season. Survival of the bacterium at various depths in the soil was also studied by placing in the soil cultures of both wild-type and antibiotic-resistant strains of C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis in vials. Results showed a sharp decline of populations in the solarized soil compared to non-treated plots. The authors concluded that soil solarization, where applicable, is a useful method to control the disease. In order to extent the efficacy of this method, they noted that it is also important not to incorporate infected plant debris in the soil.
Sources
Antoniou, P.P.; Tjamos, E.C.; Panagopoulos, C.G. (1995) Use of soil solarization for controlling bacterial canker of tomato in plastic houses in Greece.
Plant Pathology, 44(3), 438-447.