ginger

For more details:

Manager, Agricultural Technology Information Centre

ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research
Kozhikode - 673 012, Kerala
Phone: 0495-2731410, 2730704 Fax: 0091-495-2730294 ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research
email: [email protected] Kozhikode - 673 012, Kerala
Contributors
Jayashree E, Kandiannan K, Prasath D, Rashid Pervez, Sasikumar B, Senthil
Kumar CM, Srinivasan V, Suseela Bhai R and Thankamani CK

Editors
Rajeev P and Lijo Thomas

Publisher
Director
ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research

Ginger- Extension Pamphlet

November 2015

Contact:
ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala, 673 012
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 0495-2731410

Printed at Printers Castle, Cochin - 682 016

 ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala

G inger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) (Family: Zingiberaceae) is a

herbaceous perennial, the rhizomes of which are used as a
spice. India is a leading producer of ginger in the world and during
2012-13 the country produced 7.45 lakh tonnes of the spice from
an area of 157839 hectares. Ginger is cultivated in most of the
states in India. However, states namely Karnataka, Orissa, Assam,
Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat together contribute 65
per cent to the country’s total production.

Climate and soil

Ginger grows well in warm and humid climate and is cultivated
from sea level to an altitude of 1500 m above sea level. Ginger can be
grown both under rain fed and irrigated conditions. For successful
cultivation of the crop, a moderate rainfall at sowing time till the
rhizomes sprout, fairly heavy and well distributed showers during
the growing period and dry weather for about a month before
harvesting are necessary. Ginger thrives best in well drained soils
like sandy loam, clay loam, red loam or lateritic loam. A friable loam
with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 rich in humus is ideal. However, being an
exhausting crop it is not desirable to grow ginger in the same soil
year after year. The crop performs well in a temperature range of
19°C- 28°C and a humidity of 70-90%.

Varieties
Several cultivars of ginger are grown in different ginger growing areas
in India and they are generally named after the localities where they
are grown. Some of the prominent indigenous cultivars are Maran,
Kuruppampadi, Ernad, Wayanad, Himachal and Nadia. The exotic
cultivar ‘Rio-de-Janeiro’ have also become very popular among
cultivators. The improved varieties of ginger and their salient features
are given in Table 1. The variety IISR Varada is suited for fresh ginger,
dry ginger and making candy while, IISR Rejatha is rich in essential oil.

Season
The best time for planting ginger in the West Coast of India is during
the first fortnight of May with the receipt of pre-monsoon showers.
Under irrigated conditions, it can be planted well in advance
during the middle of February or early March. Early planting with
the receipt of summer showers during February-March results in
higher yield and reduces disease incidence.
1
ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala

Table 1. Improved varieties of ginger

Variety Fresh mean Maturity Dry Crude Oleoresin Essential
yield (t/ha) (days) recovery fibre (%) oil
(%) (%) (%)
ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode – 673 012, Kerala
IISR Varada 22.6 200 20.7 4.5 6.7 1.8
IISR Mahima 23.2 200 23.0 3.3 4.5 1.7
IISR Rejatha 22.4 200 19.0 4.0 6.3 2.4
High Altitude Research Station, Orissa University of Agriculture
and Technology, Pottangi – 764 039, Orissa
Suprabha 16.6 229 20.5 4.4 8.9 1.9
Suruchi 11.6 218 23.5 3.8 10.0 2.0
Suravi 17.5 225 23.5 4.0 10.2 2.1
Subhada 18.0 210 22.4 3.4 10.4 2.0
Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry,
Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh – 173 230
Himagiri 13.5 230 20.6 6.4 4.3 1.6
Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur – 680 656, Kerala
Athira 21.0 220-240 22.6 3.4 6.8 3.1
Karthika 19.0 220-240
21.6 3.7 7.2 3.2
Aswathy 23.0 220-240 19.7 3.5 7.5 3.3

Land preparation
The land is to be ploughed 4 to 5 times or dug thoroughly with receipt
of early summer showers to bring the soil to fine tilth. Beds of about
1 m width, 30 cm height and of convenient length are prepared with
an inter-space of 50 cm in between beds. In the case of irrigated crop,
ridges are formed 40 cm apart. In areas prone to rhizome rot disease and
nematode infestations, solarization of beds for 40 days using transparent
polythene sheets is recommended.

Planting
Ginger is propagated by portions of rhizomes known as seed
rhizomes. Carefully preserved seed rhizomes are cut into small
pieces of 2.5-5.0 cm length weighing 20-25 g each having one or
two good buds. The seed rate varies from region to region and
with the method of cultivation adopted. In Kerala, the seed rate
varies from 1500 to 1800 kg/ha. At higher altitudes the seed rate
may vary from 2000 to 2500 kg/ha. The seed rhizomes are treated
with mancozeb 0.3% (3 g/L of water) for 30 minutes, shade dried
for 3-4 hours and planted at a spacing of 20-25 cm along the rows
and 20-25 cm between the rows. The seed rhizome bits are placed
in shallow pits prepared with a hand hoe and covered with well
decomposed farm yard manure and a thin layer of soil and leveled.

2
 ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala

Transplanting technology for reduction of seed cost

Though transplanting in ginger is not conventional, it is found profitable.
A transplanting technique in ginger by using single bud sprouts (about
5 g) has been standardized to produce good quality planting material
with reduced cost. The yield level of ginger transplants is on-par with
conventional planting system. The technique involves raising transplants
from single sprout seed rhizomes in the pro-tray and planted in the field
after 30-40 days. The advantages of this technology are production of
healthy planting materials and reduction in seed rhizome quantity and
eventually reduced cost on planting material.

Technology
• Select healthy ginger rhizomes for seed purpose.
• Treat the selected rhizomes with mancozeb (0.3%) and
quinalphos (0.075%) for 30 min and store in well ventilated place
• One month before planting, the seed rhizomes are cut into single
buds with small piece of rhizomes weighing 4-6 g.
• Treat the single bud sprouts (mancozeb 0.3%) for 30 min before
planting.
• Fill the pro-trays (98 well) with nursery medium containing
partially decomposed coir pith and vermicompost (75:25),
enriched with PGPR/Trichoderma 10g/kg of mixture.
• Plant the ginger bud sprouts in pro-trays.
• Provide partial shade to the pro-trays by keeping them in shade
nets or under the shade of trees.
• Adopt need based irrigation with rose can or by using suitable
sprinklers.
• Seedlings will be ready within 30-40 days for transplanting.

Manuring
At the time of planting, well decomposed cattle manure or compost @
25-30 tonnes/ha has to be applied either by broadcasting over the beds
prior to planting or applied in the pits at the time of planting. Application
of neem cake @ 2 tonnes/ha at the time of planting helps in reducing the
incidence of rhizome rot disease/ nematode and increasing the yield.
The recommended blanket nutrient dosage for ginger for different states
are given in Table 2.
As the soil fertility will be varying with the soil type, agro
ecological conditions or management systems, site specific nutrient
management based on the soil test results for major nutrient is
advocated. The recommended dose of nutrients for varying soil

3
 ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala

is done at the time of planting with green leaves @ 10-12 tonnes/ha.

Application of dried coconut leaves after removing the midrib or paddy
straw (2-3 kg/bed) as mulch in ginger is also recommended for effective
weed control. Green leaf mulching is to be repeated @ 7.5 tonnes/ha at
45 and 90 days after planting, immediately after weeding, application
of fertilizers and earthing up.

Irrigation
Ginger is cultivated as rainfed crop in high rainfall areas (uniform
distribution for 5 to 7 months) and irrigated crop in less rainfall areas
where distribution is not uniform. Ginger requires 1300-1500 mm of
water during its crop cycle. The critical stages for irrigation are during
germination, rhizome initiation (90 DAP) and rhizome development
stages (135 DAP).  The first irrigation should be done immediately after
planting and subsequent irrigations are given at intervals of 7 to 10 days
in conventional irrigation (based on prevailing weather and soil type).
Sprinklers and drip system can also be employed for better water use
efficiency and enhanced yield.

Inter cultivation
Weeding is done just before fertilizer application and mulching; 2-3 hand
weedings are required depending on the intensity of weed growth. Proper
drainage channels are to be provided when there is stagnation of water.
Earthing up is essential to prevent exposure of rhizomes and provide
sufficient soil volume for free development of rhizomes. It is done at 45
and 90 days after planting immediately after weeding and application
of fertilizers.

Inter cropping and crop rotation

Crop rotation is generally followed in ginger. The crops most commonly
rotated with ginger are tapioca, ragi, paddy, gingelly, maize and
vegetables. In Karnataka, ginger is also mix cropped with ragi, red gram
and castor. Ginger is also grown as an intercrop in coconut, arecanut,
coffee and orange plantations in Kerala and Karnataka. However, crop
rotation using tomato, potato, chillies, brinjal and peanut should be
avoided, as these plants are hosts for the wilt causing organism, Ralstonia
solanacearum.

Plant protection
Diseases
Soft rot
Soft rot is the most destructive disease of ginger which results in total loss
5
ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala

of affected clumps. The disease is soil-borne and is caused by Pythium

spp. among which, P. aphanidermatum and P. myriotylum are widely
distributed in the country. The fungus multiplies with build up of soil
moisture with the onset of south west monsoon. Younger sprouts are
most susceptible to the pathogen. The infection starts at the collar region
of the pseudostem and progresses upwards as well as downwards. The
collar region of the affected pseudostem becomes water-soaked and the
rotting spreads to the rhizome resulting in soft rot with characteristic
foul smell. At a later stage root infection is also noticed. Foliar symptoms
appear as light yellowing of the leaf margins of lower leaves which
gradually spreads to the leaf lamina. In early stages of the disease, the
middle portion of the leaves remain green while the margins become
yellow. The yellowing spreads to all leaves of the plant from the lower
region upwards and is followed by drooping, withering and drying of
pseudostems.
Seed rhizomes are to be selected from disease free gardens, since the
disease is also seed borne. Treatment of seed rhizomes with mancozeb
0.3% or metalaxyl mancozeb 0.125% for 30 minutes before storage,
and once again before planting and drenching at 30 and 60 days after
planting reduces the incidence of the disease. Cultural practices such as
selection of well drained soils for planting is important, since stagnation
of water predisposes the plant to infection. The soil may be solarized
before planting by covering the moist soil with a transparent polythene
film for 45-50 days. Application of Trichoderma harzianum along with
neem cake @ 1 kg/bed helps in reducing the incidence of the disease.
Once the disease is located in the field, removal of affected clumps and
drenching the affected and surrounding beds with mancozeb 0.3% or
metalaxyl mancozeb 0.125% or copper oxychloride 0.2% checks the
spread of the disease.

Bacterial wilt
Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum Biovar-3 is a soil and seed-
borne disease that occurs during south west monsoon. Water soaked
spots appear at the collar region of the pseudostem and progresses
upwards and downwards. The first conspicuous symptom is mild
drooping and curling of leaf margins of the lower leaves which spread
upwards. In the advanced stage, the plants exhibit severe yellowing and
wilting symptoms. The vascular tissues of the affected pseudostems show
dark streaks. The affected pseudostem and rhizome when pressed gently
extrudes milky ooze from the vascular strands. Ultimately rhizomes rot
emitting a foul smell.
The cultural practices and seed rhizome treatment adopted for
6
 ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala

managing soft rot are also to be adopted for bacterial wilt. Seed rhizomes
must be taken from disease free fields for planting. It is not advisable
to plant ginger consecutively in the same field every year. Fields used
for growing potato, or other solanaceous crops are to be avoided. Once
the disease is noticed in the field the affected clumps may be removed
carefully without spilling the soil around and the affected area and
surrounding areas drenched with copper oxychloride 0.2%. Care should
be taken to dispose the removed plants far from the cultivated area or
destroyed by burning.

Leaf spot
Leaf spot is caused by Phyllosticta zingiberi. The disease starts as water
soaked spot and later turns as a white spot surrounded by dark brown
margins and yellow halo. The lesions enlarge and adjacent lesions
coalesce to form necrotic areas. The disease spreads through rain splashes
during intermittent showers. The incidence of the disease is severe in
ginger grown under exposed conditions. The disease can be managed
by spraying of Bordeaux mixture 1% or mancozeb 0.2% or carbendazim
0.2%, with the appearance of disease symptoms. Care should be taken to
see that the spray solution should reach lower surface of the leaves also.

Nematode pests
Root knot (Meloidogyne spp.), burrowing (Radopholus similis) and lesion
(Pratylenchus spp.) nematodes are important nematode pests of ginger.
Stunting, chlorosis, poor tillering and necrosis of leaves are the common
aerial symptoms. Characteristic root galls and lesions that lead to rotting
are generally seen in roots. The infested rhizomes have brown, water
soaked areas in the outer tissues. Nematode infestation aggravates
rhizome rot disease. The nematodes can be controlled by treating infested
rhizomes with hot water (50°C) for 10 minutes, using nematode free seed
rhizomes and solarizing ginger beds for 40 days. In areas where root
knot nematode population is high, the resistant variety IISR-Mahima
may be cultivated. Pochonia chlamydosporia, a nematode biocontrol agent
can be incorporated in ginger beds (20 g/bed with 106 cfu/g) at the time
of sowing.

Insect pests
Shoot borer
The shoot borer (Conogethes punctiferalis) is the most serious insect pest
of ginger. The larvae bore into pseudostems and feed on internal tissues
resulting in yellowing and drying of leaves of infested pseudostems.
The presence of a bore-hole on the pseudostem through which frass is
7
ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala

extruded and the withered and yellow central shoot is a characteristic

symptom of pest infestation. The adult is a medium sized moth with a
wingspan of about 20 mm; the wings are orange-yellow with minute
black spots. Fully-grown larvae are light brown with sparse hairs. The
pest population is higher in the field during September-October.
The shoot borer can be managed by spraying malathion (0.1%) at
21 day intervals during July to October. The spraying is to be initiated
when the first symptom of pest attack is seen on the top most leaf in the
form of feeding marks on the margins on the pseudostem. An integrated
strategy involving pruning and destroying freshly infested pseudostems
during July-August (at fortnightly intervals) and spraying malathion
(0.1%) during September-October (at monthly intervals) is also effective
against the pest.

Rhizome scale
The rhizome scale (Aspidiella hartii) infests rhizomes in the field (at later
stages) and in storage. Adult (female) scales are circular (about 1 mm
diameter) and light brown to grey and appear as encrustations on the
rhizomes. They feed on sap and when the rhizomes are severely infested,
they become shriveled and desiccated affecting its germination.
The rhizome scale can be managed by timely harvest, discarding
severely infested rhizomes, and treating the seed rhizomes with
quinalphos (0.075%) (for 20-30 minutes) before storage and also before
sowing in case the infestation persists. The seed rhizome may be stored
in sawdust + Strychnos nuxvomica leaves (dried) after seed treatment.

Minor pests
Larvae of leaf roller (Udaspes folus) cut and fold leaves and feed from
within, and are generally seen during the monsoon season. The adults
are medium sized butterflies with brownish black wings with white
spots; the larvae are dark green. The control measures undertaken
against the shoot borer (spraying of malathion 0.1%) is adequate for the
management of the pest.
Root grubs (Holotrichia spp.) occasionally feed on tender rhizomes,
roots and base of pseudostems causing yellowing and wilting of shoots.
The pest can be controlled by drenching the soil around the rhizomes
with chloropyriphos (0.075%).

Organic production
Conversion plan
For certified organic production of ginger, at least 18 months the crop
should be under organic management i.e. only the second crop of
8
 ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala

ginger can be sold as organic. The conversion period may be relaxed if

the organic farm is being established on a land where chemicals were
not previously used, provided sufficient proof of history of the area is
available. It is desirable that organic method of production is followed
in the entire farm; but in the case of large extent of area, the transition
can be done in a phased manner for which a conversion plan has to be
prepared.
Ginger as a best component crop in agri-horti and silvi-horti systems,
recycling of farm waste can be effectively done when grown with coconut,
arecanut, mango, Leucaena, young rubber plantation etc. As a mixed crop
it can also be grown or rotated with green manure/ legumes crops or
trap crops enabling effective nutrient built up and pest or disease control.
When grown in a mixed cultivation system, it is essential that all the
crops in the field are also subjected to organic methods of production.
In order to avoid contamination of organically cultivated plots from
neighboring non-organic farms, a suitable buffer zone with definite
border is to be maintained. In smallholder groups, where the holdings are
contiguous, the isolation belt is needed at the outer periphery of the entire
group of holdings. Ginger grown on this isolation belt cannot be treated
as organic. In sloppy lands adequate precaution should be taken to avoid
the entry of run off water and chemical drift from the neighboring farms.
Proper soil and water conservation measures by making conservation
pits in the interspaces of beds across the slope have to be followed to
minimize the erosion and runoff. Water stagnation has to be avoided in
the low lying fields by taking deep trenches for drainage.

Management practices
For organic production, traditional varieties adapted to the local soil and
climatic conditions that are resistant or tolerant to diseases, pests and
nematode infection should be used. All crop residues and farm wastes
like green loppings, crop residues, grasses, cow dung slurry, poultry
droppings etc. available on the farm can be recycled through composting,
including vermicomposting so that soil fertility is maintained at high
level. No synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides or fungicides are
allowed under organic system. Farmyard manure may be applied @
25-30 t/ha along with vermi compost @ 4 t/ha and mulching with green
leaves @ 12-15 t/ha at 45 days intervals. Further, supplementation of oil
cakes like neem cake (2 t/ha), composted coir pith (5 t/ha) and suitable
microbial cultures of Azospirillum and phosphate solubilizing bacteria
will improve the fertility and yield. Application of PGPR strain of
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (GRB 35) is also recommended for growth
promotion and disease control. Based on soil test, application of lime/
9
ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala

dolomite, rock phosphate and wood ash may be done to get required
quantity of phosphorus and potassium. When the deficient conditions of
trace elements become yield limiting, restricted use of foliar application
of micronutrient mixture specific to ginger is recommended (dosage @ 5
g/L) twice, 60 and 90 DAP, for higher yield as per the limits of standard
setting or certifying organizations.
Use of biocontrol agents, cultural and phytosanitary measures for the
management of insect pests and diseases forms the main strategy under
organic system. Integrated strategy involving pruning and destroying
freshly infested shoots during July-August (at fortnightly intervals) and
spraying Neemgold 0.5% or neem oil 0.5% during September-October
(at 21 day intervals) is effective against the shoot borer.
Selection of healthy rhizomes, soil solarization and incorporation of
Trichoderma, seed treatment and soil application of biocontrol agents like
Trichoderma, PGPR or Pseudomonas multiplied in suitable carrier media
such as coir pith compost, well rotten cow dung or quality neem cake
may be done at the time of sowing and at regular intervals to keep the
rhizome rot disease in check. To control other foliar diseases spraying of
Bordeaux mixture 1% may be done restricting the quantity to 8 kg copper
per hectare per annum. Application of quality neem cake mentioned
earlier along with the bioagents Pochonia chlamydosporia will be useful
to check the nematode population.

Certification
Certification and labeling is usually done by an independent body to
provide a guarantee that the production standards are met. Govt. of
India has taken steps to have indigenous certification system to help
small and marginal growers and to issue valid organic certificates
through certifying agencies accredited by APEDA. The inspectors
appointed by the certification agencies will carry out inspection of
the farm operations through records maintained and by periodic site
inspections. Documentation of farm activities is must for acquiring
certification especially when both conventional and organic crops are
raised. Group certification programmes are also available for organized
group of producers and processors with similar production systems
located in geographical proximity.

Harvesting
Ginger attains full maturity in 210-240 days after planting. Harvesting of
ginger for vegetable purpose starts after 180 days based on the demand.
However, for making dry ginger, the matured rhizomes are harvested at
full maturity i.e. when the leaves turn yellow and start drying. Irrigation
10
 ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala

is stopped one month before harvest and the rhizome clumps are lifted
carefully with a spade or digging fork. In large scale cultivations, tractor
or power tiller drawn harvesters are also used. The dry leaves, roots and
soil adhering on the rhizomes are manually separated. Late harvest is
also practiced, as the crop does not deteriorate by leaving it for some
months underground. In India, domestic market prefers fresh green
ginger for culinary use while two types of dried ginger i.e. bleached and
unbleached are produced for export purpose. The most important criteria
in assessing the suitability of ginger rhizomes for particular processing
purposes is the fibre content, volatile-oil content and the pungency level.
The relative abundance of these three components in the fresh rhizome
is governed by its state of maturity at harvest.

Stage of harvest of ginger for various end uses

End use Stage of harvest

(months after planting)

Vegetable purpose and preparation

of ginger preserve, candy, soft drinks,
pickles and alcoholic beverages 5-6

Dried ginger and preparation of

ginger oil, oleoresin, dehydrated and
bleached ginger 7-8

Processing of ginger
Processing of ginger to produce dry ginger basically involves two stages-
peeling of the ginger rhizomes to remove the outer skin and sun drying
to a safe moisture level.

Peeling
Peeling serves to remove the scaly epidermis and facilitate drying.
Peeling of fully matured rhizomes is done by scrapping the outer
skin with bamboo splits having pointed ends and this accelerates
the drying process. Deep scraping with knifes should be avoided
to prevent the damage of oil bearing cells which are present just
below the outer skin. Excessive peeling will result in the reduction
of essential oil content of the dried produce. The peeled rhizomes
are washed before drying. The dry ginger so obtained is valued for
its aroma, flavour and pungency.
Indian dried gingers are usually rough peeled when compared to
Jamaican gingers, which are clean peeled. The rhizomes are peeled
only on the flat sides and much of the skin in between the fingers
11
ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala

remains intact. The dry ginger so produced is known as the rough

peeled or unbleached ginger and bulk of the ginger produced in
Kerala are of this quality.

Drying
The moisture content of fresh ginger at harvest is about 80-82% which
is brought down up to 10% for its safe storage. Generally ginger is
sun dried in a single layer in open yard which takes about 8 to 10
days for complete drying. The sun dried ginger is brown in colour
with irregular wrinkled surface. The yield of dry ginger is about
19-25% of fresh ginger depending on the variety and climatic zone.

Polishing, cleaning and grading

Polishing of dried ginger is done to remove the dry skin and the
wrinkles developed on the surface during drying process. It is generally
done by rubbing against hard surface. Cleaning of dry ginger is done
manually to remove the extraneous matter and the light pieces. Once
the ginger is cleaned and it is graded manually based on size of the
rhizome, its colour, shape and the extent of residual lime (in the case
of bleached ginger).

Storage
Dry ginger, packaged in gunny bags are highly susceptible to infestation
by insects like Lasioderma serricone (cigarette beetle) during storage. Fully
dried rhizomes can be stored in airtight containers such as high density
polyethylene or similar packaging materials. Long term storage for more
than two years would result in deterioration of its aroma, flavour and
pungency.

Bleached ginger
Bleached ginger is produced by dipping scrapped fresh ginger in a
slurry of slaked lime, Ca(OH)2, (1 kg of slaked lime/120 kg of water)
followed by sun drying. As the water adhering to the rhizomes dry,
the ginger is again dipped in the slurry. This process is repeated
until the rhizomes become uniformly white in colour. Dry ginger can
also be bleached by the similar process. Liming gives ginger a better
appearance and less susceptibility to the attack of insect pests during
storage and shipping.

12
 ginger

For more details:

Manager, Agricultural Technology Information Centre

ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research
Kozhikode - 673 012, Kerala
Phone: 0495-2731410, 2730704 Fax: 0091-495-2730294 ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research
email: [email protected] Kozhikode - 673 012, Kerala