Symptoms
Yellowing lower leaves and a soft, watery, foul-smelling rot of the underground rhizome that spreads to the pseudostem base. The clump collapses and the rhizome turns mushy and discoloured.
Prevention
Plant clean, well-cured rhizomes on raised, well-drained beds and never replant in known infected soil. Treat seed rhizomes and avoid mechanical injury at planting.
Treatment
Organic
Drench soil with Trichoderma and dip seed rhizomes in a biocontrol suspension before planting. Remove and destroy infected clumps with their soil.
Chemical (last resort)
Dip seed rhizomes in mancozeb plus metalaxyl before planting and drench affected soil at first symptoms. Correct drainage first — observe PHI.
Affects 1 crop
Sources
MARDI Ginger Production Guide; DOA IPM Manual