Scientific name: Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (Cmm)
Native range: first described in Michigan in 1909
At Risk
Cmm affects solanaceous plants including tomato, pepper, eggplant and potato, but it is most pathogenic in tomato. Solanaceous weeds such as nightshade are also potential hosts and could act as a reservoir for the bacteria. CMM can be a significant problem for tomato production in greenhouses and high tunnels once introduced. Bacterial canker can occur in gardens and field grown tomatoes but is only severe when weather conditions favor disease.
Distribution
This pathogen is known to occur in tomato production areas around the world but has only sporadically caused significant production issues. Prior to 2015, the occurrence and distribution of bacterial canker of tomato in Minnesota was unknown. MDA surveys of vegetable crops have identified CMM in 17 counties in Minnesota.
Biology
Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (Cmm) is a bacterium that causes the disease called bacterial wilt and canker of tomato. It is considered a major issue for tomato production around the world and can be easily moved in seeds or transplants. Once Cmm has been introduced to a growing area, it can persist in host plants and residue for years though it can only live for a short time in soil without host material. There are no cures for infected plants, so the best defense is not to introduce the pathogen into growing areas through infested plants or seed.
Identification
Confirming the presence of Cmm will require a laboratory test available from the University of Minnesota Plant Disease Clinic. Symptoms of infection may include foliar yellowing, browning or wilting; stems developing yellow to brownish pith (middle area of stem); and fruit developing yellow/brown raised areas with lighter color areas surrounding them (halos).
Look-Alikes
Many other diseases can also be found on tomatoes in Minnesota. For help in diagnosing them, visit the University of Minnesota webpage.
Regulatory Status: Non-Regulated
There are no federal, state or local regulations regarding this pathogen. However, sale or export of tomato seed may require documentation that the pathogen is not present in the seed.
What Can Be Done?
When buying seeds or plants, ensure that they are coming from sources that are known to be disease-free. Cmm is primarily a problem for tomatoes, but could also be introduced to a garden or greenhouse by planting infected peppers or other solanaceous plants.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is monitoring for Cmm through our pathways survey.
Contact the MDA via Arrest the Pest if you suspect you have found bacterial wilt and canker of tomato.
