Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) is an economically important spice crop in Ethiopia, where its production has been severely constrained by complex diseases including bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum), Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum), rhizome rot, and Phyllosticta leaf spot (Phyllosticta zingiberi). To develop an integrated disease management (IDM) strategy, a field experiment was conducted during the 2023 and 2024 cropping seasons at the Areka Agricultural Research Center in South Ethiopia. Twelve treatment combinations involving seed rhizome treatments (copper oxychloride and hot water), fungicide (Matco: metalaxyl 8% + mancozeb 64% WP), and bactericide (Kocide 2000) sprays, and cultural practices were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Disease incidence and severity were recorded at 15-day intervals, and yield and yield components were assessed at harvest. Results showed that foliar spraying of Matco alone at 15-day intervals (5 applications) was most effective in reducing Phyllosticta leaf spot incidence (52.14%) and severity (31.43%), whereas the combined application of Matco and Kocide significantly reduced bacterial wilt incidence (10%) and severity (60.71%). Matco-treated plots achieved the highest rhizome yield (24.85 t/ha), followed by the combined Matco and Kocide application (21.43 t/ha), both exceeding the national average yield of 16 t/ha. Kocide applied alone was ineffective against Phyllosticta leaf spot and did not significantly improve yield. The findings highlight that no single management strategy is sufficient, but integrating seed treatment, fungicide/bactericide sprays, and cultural practices substantially reduces disease pressure and enhances productivity. Adoption of IDM practices is therefore recommended for sustainable ginger production in Ethiopia.
Zerhun Tomas Lera (Sat,) studied this question.