RHIZOME ROT OF GINGER

Caused by Pythium aphanidermatum

Ginger is affected by number of diseases. Among them, Rhizome rot/ Soft rot caused by Pythium aphanidermatum is the most prevalent and damaging one.

The pathogen of the disease is both seed and soil borne and causes huge damage in congenial condition prevails during the growing period.

SYMPTOMS

• In early stages of the disease, the tips and margins of the leaves turn yellow whereas the middle portion remains green.

Chlorosis proceeds downwards ultimately resulting in drooping, withering and death of the leaf.

• The collar region of the affected pseudostem becomes water soaked and the rotting spreads to the rhizome which results in paleness of rhizome resulting in softrot.
• Watery and soft appearance becomes evident on just above the ground level. The rhizome gradually decomposes which turns into a decaying mass of tissue enclosed by a tough rind which results in reduced yield.

DISEASE  MANAGEMENT

• Use of well drained soil for planting to prevent the infection due to stagnation of water.
• Selection of disease free rhizomes since the disease is also seed borne.
• Removal of affected plants as soon as possible followed by scooping of soil around the affected rhizome.

• Seed treatment and soil drenching by using REDOMIL GOLD  0.2%are most effective.

• Treatment of rhizomes with MANCOZEB of 0.3% for 30 minutes before storage and planting reduces the disease incidence

• By following the methods mentioned above we can effectively control the disease and hence we can expect the good yield.