Understanding the interaction between Clavibacter michiganensis, the tomato plant and the biological control agents

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Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most consumed vegetables in the world. Nowadays, bacterial canker of tomato, caused by the Gram-positive bacterium, Clavibacter michiganensis (Cm) is one of the most destructive and hard to control diseases affecting tomatoes greenhouses in Quebec due to the lack of genetic resistance or effective chemical or biological control. Currently, the only way to control this disease is by using chemical disinfection and by eliminating contaminated plants. For this purpose, it becomes essential to deepen our understanding of Cm affecting Quebec greenhouses and to develop new and efficient control methods to reduce the impact of Cm in conventional and organic greenhouse tomato production in Quebec. Through this project we will develop a collection of Cm isolated and sequence their genome to uncover the genetic diversity of this pathogen in the province. We will also study if and how those isolates can be controlled by a Bacillus-based biocontrol agent. Finally, we plan to develop strategies for effective control to ensure economic stability and sustainable agriculture by testing different disinfectant products such as disinfectants, prophylactic products, and growth-stimulating products. This project will have a great positive impact on Quebec greenhouse industry and the development of Quebec biotechnology industry.