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Rhizome Rot in Turmeric and Ginger

Turmeric and ginger are high-value crops, but rhizome rot can reduce yield and income if not managed properly. This disease mainly affects the underground part of the plant—the rhizome—and is caused by soil-borne fungi like Pythium spp., Fusarium spp., and Rhizoctonia solani.

Symptoms Farmers Should Watch For:

• Yellowing and wilting of leaves.

• Soft, water-soaked rhizomes with a foul smell.

• Stunted growth of the plant.

• Dark patches on rhizomes when cut open.

Major Causes:

• Waterlogged or poorly drained fields.

• Using infected rhizomes for planting.

• Continuous cultivation of turmeric or ginger in the same field.

• Humid conditions and heavy rainfall.

Practical Management Steps:

1. Use Healthy Planting Material:

   • Always select firm, disease-free rhizomes.

   • Avoid cracked or soft rhizomes.

2. Soil Treatment Before Planting:

   • Treat soil with Trichoderma or fungicides like Carbendazim or Mancozeb.

   • Ensure proper soil aeration.

3. Proper Spacing and Drainage:

   • Maintain 30–45 cm spacing between plants.

   • Avoid water stagnation; raised beds work well.

4. Crop Rotation:

   • Rotate with non-host crops like cereals or legumes to reduce fungal buildup.

5. Fungicidal Treatment of Rhizomes:

   • Dip rhizomes in 0.1% Carbendazim or Mancozeb solution before planting.

6. Field Hygiene:

   • Remove and destroy infected rhizomes immediately.

   • Avoid leaving plant debris in the field as it harbors fungi.