Abstract

Rhizome rot and wilt disease complex is the important production constraints of ginger cultivation in hill agro-ecological region of West Bengal. In the present study, attempt have been made to manage the problem by adjusting plant spacing, seed rhizome size and as well as by selection of suitable cultivars available in the region. Plant spacing of 25 × 30 cm was found to be optimum for better crop return and lower disease incidence. Considering both lower percentage disease incidence and higher yield, seed rhizome size of 50 to 75 g was found to be optimum for ginger planting. Mother rhizome extraction/removal that is, the common practice followed by ginger growers in the region had an additive effect on incidence of rhizome rot and wilt disease complex of ginger. None of the locally available germplasm tested was found to be tolerant against rhizome rot and wilt disease complex of ginger, however, cultivar “Majauley” may be considered as moderately susceptible and “Bhaisey” and “Gorubathaney” are considered as highly susceptible germplasm.

Key words: Ginger, rhizome rot, wilt disease, West Bengal, seed.