Ecofriendly Control Strategies Against Clavibacter michiganensis, the Causal Agent of Bacterial Canker of Tomato

Abstract

Bacterial canker of tomato, caused by the pathogenic Gram-positive bacterium Clavibacter michiganensis, represents a serious threat to tomato growers worldwide. Diverse approaches have been reported to control this infectious and aggressive bacterium. The current control strategy mostly relies on the application of copper-based products and, to some extent mancozeb and streptomycin, which are leading to growing concerns about resistance promotion, phytotoxicity effect, and environmental pollution. In this paper, we present a comprehensive overview on ecofriendly management strategies to control this phytopathogen. New technologies, including the application of biological and non-biological inducers integrated with conventional preventive measures, represent a new approach in plant protection to develop a sustainable strategy to fight this devastating disease.