Management of Soft Rot (Pythium spp.) and Wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) in Andamans

Five isolates of Trichoderma and one isolate of Pseudomonas fluorescens were evaluated against Pythium and Ralstonia solanacearum in vitro and in vivo with different combinations with some chemical fungicides and neem cake. The results indicated that all isolates of Trichoderma, lone isolates of Pseudomonas fluorescens and fungicides alone significantly inhibited both pathogens in vitro. The biocontrol agent, Trichoderma spp and isolate of Pseudomonas fluorescens were comparable to each other in their ability to inhibit both the pathogens. The combination of cultural practices, chemical pesticides at low concentration, biocontrol agents with optimum population (cfu/g) along with neem cake have been found most effective in reducing the disease incidence of both soft rot and wilt of ginger and corresponding yield increase in the year 2008–09 and 2009–10. Furthermore, seed + soil application of biofungicides and chemical fungicides resulted into lowest incidences of soft rot and wilt diseases, highest rhizosphere population of biocontrol agents at all the dates observed and highest yield of ginger.