In- vitro Efficacy of Fungi-Toxicants against Pythium aphanidermatum and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Zingiberi Causing Rhizome Rot of Ginger

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc L.), a vital rhizomatous spice crop, is extensively cultivated for its culinary, medicinal and industrial uses. However, its productivity is severely hampered by rhizome rot, a major disease complex predominantly caused by Pythium aphanidermatum and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. zingiberi. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of tested fungicides and a bio-agent under in vitro conditions for controlling these pathogens. Isolates of both the pathogens were obtained from diseased ginger rhizomes collected at ANDUAT, Ayodhya. Four chemical fungicides such as Azoxystrobin, Propiconazole, Copper Oxychloride and Metalaxyl—along with the bio-agent Trichoderma harzianum, were tested at concentrations of 500, 1000 and 2000 µg/ml. Results revealed that Metalaxyl was most effective against Pythium aphanidermatum, achieving 100% mycelial growth inhibition at 1000 and 2000 µg/ml. Against Fusarium oxysporum, Propiconazole showed superior efficacy, also achieving complete inhibition at 2000 µg/ml. The findings suggest that Metalaxyl and Propiconazole hold strong potential for managing ginger rhizome rot, warranting further validation under field conditions.