Urgent: New Fungal Disease Endangers Ginger Farming in Karnataka’s Kodagu! | Mysuru News

MADIKERI: Even as ginger cultivation increased in Kodagu, particularly in its northern regions, the Indian Institute of Spice Research (ICAR) identified a new fungal infection affecting ginger plantations.
As the fungal infection affects ginger plantations throughout the district, the ICAR issued preventive guidelines for farmers to contain its spread. The ICAR officials at the Kozhikode research centre confirmed the discovery of a new fungal disease that significantly impacted ginger crops across the district in 2024.
The fungal pathogen Pyricularia spp presents a fresh challenge to the district’s ginger cultivation. Scientists note that whilst Pyricularia typically causes blast disease in monocot plants, including paddy, this is its first occurrence in ginger crops.
“The disease appears as yellowing of the ginger plant leaves, accompanied by black/dark olive green spots in the early stages. Once the infection takes hold, it spreads rapidly and can cover the entire field within hours, leading to severe crop loss and plant death,” states the Head Scientist of ICAR at Appangala.
The experts indicate that whilst rhizomes remain unaffected, premature leaf yellowing and drying hampers proper rhizome development. “Consequently, Kodagu farmers faced up to 30% reduction in rhizome weight,” the scientist elaborated.
Research indicates that Kodagu’s weather conditions facilitated the disease’s proliferation. The morning dew during August and September created suitable conditions for the fungal pathogen to flourish and spread, resulting in widespread infection across ginger fields in certain district areas.
For disease control, scientists advocate using fungicides like Propiconazole or combining Carbendazim and Mancozeb. These should be applied to seed rhizomes for 30 minutes before storing in ventilated spaces.
Immediate fungicide application is recommended upon noticing symptoms such as black/dark olive-green pinhead spots with surrounding yellow leaves. Affected farmers are advised to temporarily suspend ginger cultivation in impacted areas.
The scientific team continues its research to comprehend the pathogen’s characteristics and environmental triggers.