Tomato Pith Necrosis Research Articles

New plant disease record in New Zealand: Tomato pith necrosis caused byPseudomonas corrugata

Abstract Pseudomonas corrugata Scarlett et al. 1978 is identified as the cause of tomato pith necrosis of glasshouse and field-grown tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum (L.) Karst ex Farw.). This is the first record of the pathogen in New Zealand.

Tomato pith necrosis caused by Pseudomonas corrugata n. sp.

SUMMARYA disease of mature tomato plants is described, the symptoms of which include brown discoloration and/or necrosis and collapse of the pith. These are sometimes accompanied by vascular browning, external dark brown to black stem lesions, bacterial flux from stem wounds and adventitious root formation. The disease, which appears to be favoured by high humidity and/or free water on the plant surfaces and by high N fertiliser, has been widespread on many glasshouse holdings in England since 1971 but has caused severe loss on only a few. It is thought to be caused by a new species of the genus Pseudomonas for which the name P. corrugata Roberts and Scarlett is proposed.