A newly identified fungal disease has emerged as a significant threat to ginger cultivation in Karnataka, prompting an urgent advisory from the ICAR–Indian Institute of Spices Research (ICAR-IISR). Researchers from the premier spices research institute have confirmed that the pathogen Pyricularia spp.—typically associated with blast diseases in monocot crops like rice and wheat—has, for the first time, been found infecting ginger crops in the Kodagu district.

The outbreak, which escalated rapidly during the 2024 growing season, has already caused an estimated 30 per cent yield loss in affected farms. The disease manifests initially as leaf yellowing with small dark olive-green to black lesions, progressing swiftly to defoliation and plant collapse. While rhizomes may appear outwardly unaffected, early leaf loss significantly hampers rhizome development, reducing both quality and weight.

The severity of the outbreak has been linked to specific weather conditions during August and September 2024, when intense morning dew in Kodagu created ideal conditions for fungal spore germination and field-level spread. Interestingly, other major ginger-producing belts in Karnataka and Kerala have not reported similar infections, suggesting the outbreak may be microclimate-driven. Researchers at ICAR-IISR’s regional station in Appangala played a critical role in field monitoring and sample analysis, though challenges in preserving infected tissue during transport slowed initial confirmations.

ICAR-IISR has issued comprehensive control recommendations to mitigate the disease and prevent recurrence. These include fungicidal seed treatment of rhizomes using either Propiconazole (1 ml/litre) or a Carbendazim-Mancozeb mix (2 g/litre), followed by storage in dry, ventilated conditions. For standing crops, preventive foliar applications of Propiconazole (Tilt) or Tebuconazole (Folicur) are advised approximately four months after planting. If early symptoms appear—particularly dark pinhead spots with surrounding chlorosis—immediate fungicide application is critical due to the pathogen’s rapid spread. Field observations have confirmed infections in fields up to 20 kilometers apart, indicating strong airborne mobility.

As an interim measure, ICAR-IISR has advised farmers in high-risk zones to suspend ginger cultivation until further assessments are completed. Ongoing research aims to better understand the pathogen’s adaptation to ginger, map its lifecycle triggers, and evaluate long-term solutions, including resistant varieties and sustainable biological controls.

The emergence of Pyricularia on a non-traditional host like ginger has raised new concerns among plant pathologists and agro-climatic researchers. It also underscores the urgent need for robust surveillance systems, climate-linked disease forecasting, and strategic extension services to protect India’s spice economy.