GSPP CERTIFICATION

WHAT IS GSPP?

It is a Dutch Foundation whose GSPP quality certification (Good Seed & Plant Practices) guarantees a proper process management from the production and processing of seeds (including the parental seed) to their sale.This management is carried out using methods of working that comply with the GSPP standard.

The pathogen

Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (Cmm) or “bacterial canker” es una bacteria del género Clavibacter genus. This bacterium, harmless to human health but harmful to plant health, is the cause of the main bacterial disease in tomatoes around the world. It mainly affects the Solanaceae family (tomato, pepper and aubergine). The pathogen that causes wilting of the plant and other symptoms can survive in the seeds for months and is a bacterium that can easily spread through water, tools, materials and direct contact with plants.

What damage does it cause?

The symptoms are unilateral wilting of the basal leaves that rises up the stem and finally ends up necrotizing and wilting the plant completely.

Also, cankers on stems and petioles, necrotic spots on the leaves and spots on the fruit in the shape of a bird's eye (black spots with a white halo).

How is it transmitted?

The Cmm bacterium is transmitted through contact (contaminated tools, hands, clothing, direct contact from plant to plant), propagating material (grafts, cuttings) and water.
This type of Cmm bacterium can remain infective in seeds, plant remains and contaminated soil for months. In addition, it can remain dormant within the host without the latter showing symptoms of disease, which makes it potentially dangerous.