Internal methods comparison study and inter‐laboratory study on Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis in tomato seeds1

Abstract

Bacterial canker of tomato is a disease caused by Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, a quarantine bacterium, the spread of which has not been completely controlled in spite of the phytosanitary measures taken within the EPPO region. Since 2008 the French National Laboratory for Plant Health (LNPV) has been working on the assessment of the methods used in laboratories to detect the presence of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis in tomato seeds i.e. dilution plating on semi‐selective media and immunofluorescence. In the 1st stage of the assessment, a methods comparison study was performed with reference strains to determine the performance criteria of the tests in optimal conditions. In the 2nd stage, an inter‐laboratory study on naturally and artificially contaminated seeds was performed with 8 laboratories from 6 European countries. This study demonstrated the strengths and weaknesses of the tests currently in use. Two laboratories took the opportunity the collaborative study offered to evaluate alternative tests: BIO‐PCR and IMS‐plating. These could offer interesting alternatives to optimise the detection procedure for Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis on tomato seeds.