Studies on Bacterial Canker (Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis) of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

Abstract

Bacterial canker of tomato caused by Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (Cmm) causes significant yield losses on tomatoes. It is newly observed bacterial disease in mid hills of Himachal Pradesh, India. Few or less work has, therefore, been done on this disease in the state. This study was conducted to find optimum growth conditions for the bacterium. Under present investigations, five isolates of Cmm were thus isolated and maintained in pure cultures. Amongst different nutrient media tested, nutrient glucose broth medium favoured maximum growth of the bacterium. A temperature of 250 C and pH from neutral to slightly alkaline was found favourable for the growth of the pathogen.