Effects of Organic Agricultural Materials and Cultivation Methods on the Control of Ginger Rhizome Rot Disease and Growth in Organic Ginger Farming

Abstract

This study aimed to develop eco-friendly disinfection technology for ginger seed rhizomes by evaluating the effects of various organic agricultural treatments on germination rates, fresh weight, and disease resistance. The Korean native ginger variety, Bongdongjaerae, and the Chinese variety, Laiwu xiao, were treated with lime–sulfur mixtures, antifungal bacterial isolates, and microalga. Results showed that the 0.4% lime–sulfur treatment achieved the highest germination rate of 89.0% for domestic ginger grown under a single-bed cultivation. The combined treatment with Bacillus velezensis strains GT227 and GT234 and Chlorella fusca (CHK0058) significantly increased the fresh weight, highlighting its potential to enhance ginger growth under organic farming conditions. Single-bed cultivation yielded better results compared to flat-bed cultivation, showing higher fresh weights and lower infection rates. Overall, organic treatments, particularly the combination of CHK0058, GT227, and GT234, proved effective in enhancing ginger growth and reducing disease incidence, highlighting the potential for sustainable agricultural practices in ginger cultivation.

Keywords

• <i>Zingiber officinale</i> Roscoe
• rhizome rot
• cultural practices
• antifungal bacteria
• microalga