Researches on identification of tomato bacterial speck disease (Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato), determination of races and alternative control methods to chemical control

In this study, tomato bacterial speck disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (PST) was identified by physiological, biochemical, pathogenicity, ELISA and PCR tests. Occurrence of PST race 1 in Turkey were determined using Ontario 7710 seedlings with this research. It was found that PST can't survive in soil, but it can survive infected plant debris in soil and on seeds. And they were evaluated as primer inoculum of PST in Çukurova Region. Total 47 different tomato seed samples were tested by IFAS, using semi selective medium and examination for typical speck symptoms on cotyledons within 7 days after emergence for detection of PST in seeds. Only 1 seed sample was found as contaminated by PST. To eradicate PST from seeds, bronopol and cupric acetate were found as the best seed treatments. Alternative control methods (biological control and soil solarization) to chemical control against PST were also investigated. Some antagonists (4K1f, MTD1) have the good effective against PST inoculum on seeds and leaves and in soil. Soil solarization was found effective until 30 cm depth of soil, disease incidence was reduce as 77% by soil solarization and it was evaluated as an effective control methods against PST. Key words : tomato bacterial speck disease, ELISA, PCR, IFAS, races, survive, seed treatment, biological control, soil solarization