Sustainable approaches for biofumigation and rhizome rot management in ginger (Zingiber officinale Rose) cultivation in the Chhattisgarh plains

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the most commercially significant spice crops. Rhizome rot is the most destructive disease affecting ginger, causing economic losses ranging from 50% to 90%. Three field experiments were conducted over the kharif seasons of 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20 at farmers' fields in the villages of Badgaon, Chharratangar, and Badimal in Raigarh District. The trials included three treatments: T1 – farmers' practice, and T2 – biofumigation using mustard crop residues combined with seed treatment using Metalaxyl + Mancozeb at 2.5 g/kg of seed, Trichoderma viride at 10 g/kg of seed, and soil application with FYM at 250 kg/ha and 2.5 kg of Trichoderma viride. All treatments significantly reduced the incidence and severity of the disease while improving germination rates and rhizome yields. Among the treatments, biofumigation combined with seed treatment (T2) was the most effective compared to farmers' practice.