Effective management of soft rot of ginger caused by Pythium spp. and Fusarium spp.: emerging role of nanotechnology

Abstract

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) is a tropical plant cultivated all over the world due to its culinary and medicinal properties. It is one of the most important spices commonly used in food, which increases its commercial value. However, soft rot (rhizome rot) is a common disease of ginger caused by fungi such as Pythium and Fusarium spp. It is the most destructive disease of ginger, which can reduce the production by 50 to 90%. Application of chemical fungicides is considered as an effective method to control soft rot of ginger but extensive use of fungicides pose serious risk to environmental and human health. Therefore, the development of ecofriendly and economically viable alternative approaches for effective management of soft rot of ginger such diseases is essentially required. An acceptable approach that is being actively investigated involves nanotechnology, which can potentially be used to control Pythium and Fusarium. The present review is aimed to discuss worldwide status of soft rot associated with ginger, the traditional methods available for the management of Pythium and Fusarium spp. and most importantly, the role of various nanomaterials in the management of soft rot of ginger. Moreover, possible antifungal mechanisms for chemical fungicides, biological agents and nanoparticles have also been discussed.

Synthesis of Fe3O4/Ag nanohybrid ferrofluids and their applications as antimicrobial and antifibrotic agents

“…In the present study, the use of ferrofluids contributed to superior antimicrobial performance. The proposed mechanisms of destruction of the bacteria and fungus are presented in Figures 8 and 9; the antibacterial mechanism is based on that of Roy et al [56], and the antifungal mechanism is based on that of Rai et al [57]. Theoretically, the surface charge of nanoparticles containing ROS in the form of superoxide ions surrounded by surfactants becomes positive.…”

Introductory Chapter: Studies on Ginger

“…Application of a mixture of biological bacteria could be very promising to increase rhizome production [25][26][27][28]. By using resistant or less susceptible cultivars of ginger, the disease can be managed to a great extent [17].…”

Transcriptome analysis reveals underlying immune response mechanism of fungal disease in Gastrodia elata Bl. f. glauca S. Chow

“…During the growth and development of G. elata, it is susceptible to infection by non-essential fungi such as Penicillium [30], Ilyonectria robusta [31] and Trichoderma hamatum [32]. Of course, it can cause serious damage to the planting industry [33][34][35][36][37][38]. Now, it could make this possible to breed varieties with stable heredity by genomics-based techniques.…”