Bacterial Canker
Clavibacter michiganensis
Basic Details
Description
Taxonomy
Features
Translations
Basic Details
NameBacterial Canker
DescriptionBacterial canker causes wilting, leaf browning, and 'bird's-eye' spots on fruits. Learn to identify and manage this serious bacterial plant disease today.
TypeBacteria
FamilyXanthomonadaceae
GenusClavibacter
Taxonomy & Features
PhylumProteobacteria
ClassGammaproteobacteria
OrderXanthomonadales
Features
- Caused by various bacteria, most notably Clavibacter in tomatoes and Pseudomonas in stone fruits. Can be highly systemic, living throughout the plant's vascular system
- On fruit, it creates small, raised white spots with a brown center (bird's-eye spots). On stems, it causes dark, sunken, cracked areas (cankers)
- Bacteria enter through wounds (pruning, insect bites) or natural openings like stomata. They can also be carried within the seeds
- Leaves show margins that turn brown and curl upward. Stems may split and reveal dark, decayed internal tissue. Fruits become spotted and unmarketable
- Spreads rapidly via water splash, contaminated tools, and handling. Can survive on tomato stakes and greenhouse structures for several seasons
- Bacteria are microscopic. Cankers can range from small cracks to large, girdling lesions on branches
- Most active during cool, wet weather, though symptoms often become more evident during hot, dry periods when the plant is stressed
- Commonly affects tomatoes, peppers, and stone fruits like cherries, plums, and peaches
- Use only certified disease-free seeds. Disinfect pruning tools frequently with alcohol or bleach solution. Rotate crops every 3-4 years
- No systemic cure. Remove and destroy infected plants. Copper-based bactericides can help reduce surface spread but cannot cure internal infections
Names in Different Languages
Latin / ScientificClavibacter michiganensis
English (Alternate)Bird's-eye spot, Gummosis (in stone fruits)
Hindiಜೀವಾಣು ನಾಸೂರ್ (Jivanu nasur)
Tamilಬ್ಯಾಕ್ಟೀರಿಯಾ ಪುಟ್ರುನೋಯ್ (Bacteria putrunoy)
Teluguಬ್ಯಾಕ್ಟೀರಿಯಾ ಕ್ಯಾಂಕರ್ (Bacteria canker)
Malayalamಬ್ಯಾಕ್ಟೀರಿಯಲ್ ಕಾಂಗರ್ (Bacterial canker)
Kannadaಬ್ಯಾಕ್ಟೀರಿಯಾ ಕ್ಯಾಂಕರ್ (Bacteria canker)
Sanskritಜೀವಾಣು-ವ್ರಣ (Jivanu-vrana)
Bengaliಬ್ಯಾಕ್ಟೀರಿಯಲ್ ಕ್ಯಾಂಕರ್ (Bacterial canker)
Frenchchancre bactérien
Russianಬ್ಯಾಕ್ಟೀರಿಯಲ್'ನಿ ರಾಕ್ (bakterial'nyy rak)
Spanishcancro bacteriano
GermanBakterienbrand
