Detection of Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. michiganensis in tomato seeds by immunofluorescence microscopy and dilution plating

A method for detectingClavibacter michiganensis ssp.michiganensis in tomato seeds was evaluated. The method is based on rapid screening of tomato seed lots using indirect immunofluorescence staining (IF), followed by dilution plating of IF positive seed lots. Different polyclonal antisera, prepared againstC. michiganensis ssp.michiganensis were tested for their specificity using IF. All strains ofC. michiganensis ssp.michiganensis tested reacted with the polyclonal antisera. Two of nine saprophytic isolates from tomato seeds were positive with the antisera as well as with the control normal serum, but cells of these isolates were distinct in shape from cells ofC. michiganensis ssp.michiganensis.For extraction of the pathogen from the seed, seeds were either blended with a stomacher or soaked at 4–6 °C. The stomacher method yielded more fluorescent cells in IF than 24 h soaking of seed samples. However, soaking of seeds for 48 h generally yielded less saprophytes and overall higher numbers ofC. michiganensis ssp.michiganensis colonies in dilution plating when compared to blending by a stomacher. SCM medium was generally more selective than KBT and modified CNS medium. However, the efficacy of the medium was dependent on the seed lot and/or extraction method used. Confirmation of suspected colonies with YDC (yeast-dextrose-carbonate medium), IF and a pathogenicity test on tomato seedlings proved to be highly reliable (P>0.95). For routine testing of seed lots it is recommended to screen tomato seed lost after soaking seeds for 24 h at 4–6 °C with IF, followed by plating of IF-positive seed lots on modified CNS and SCM after soaking seeds for an additional 24 h.