Quick wilt complex of Ginger caused by Meloidogyne incognita and Ralstonia solanacearum

The present study was undertaken to investigate the interaction between Meloidogyne incognita and Ralstonia solanacearum for two years under pot culture condition in ginger inoculated with nematode and bacterium either singly, simultaneously or sequentially after a period of 10 days. Incidence of wilting commenced 27 days after inoculation (DAI) in bacteria alone, 22 DAI in nematode + bacteria, 17 DAI in nematode followed by bacteria and 31.5 days in bacteria followed by nematode. Prior inoculation of M. incognita reduced the incubation period R. solanacearum by 10 days. Combined inoculation of both the pathogens either simultaneously or sequentially resulted in decrease of leaf water potential, thereby inducing quick wilt symptom. Further, significant decrease in various parameters such as number of branches, plant height, dry weight of shoot and rhizome yield including decrease in root knot index over check was recorded in the combined inoculation.