Survey of Ginger Rhizome Fly and Associated Rhizome Rot in Major Ginger Producing District of Nepal

Abstract

Ginger rhizome fly, Mimegralla coeruleifrons (Macquart,1884) is one of the major insect pest of ginger. This study was conducted to identify the major ginger pest problems across seven major ginger-growing districts of Nepal: Ilam, Dhankuta, Sindhuli, Syangja, Palpa, Gulmi, and Salyan. The study employed a dual-approach survey involving 70 randomly selected households in coordination with Agriculture Knowledge Centers and Agriculture Development Sections of the local government of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Karnali provinces. The survey focused on farmer-reported pest problems, including collection and analysis of five sample plants per farm to record M. coeruleifrons incidence, rhizome rot and their association. The average cultivated land of the study household was 1.03 hectare of which 0.16 hectare was allocated for ginger production. Descriptive statistical analysis revealed that insect pests and diseases were the major production barriers as reported by 68.57% of farmers. Rhizome fly, rhizome rot and their combined infestation recorded 15.17%, 30.68% and 54.13%, respectively. The findings indicate pest and disease pressure reducing the potential healthy yield from 28.62 t/ha to 14.59 t/ha and underscores a significant economic gap requiring integrated management strategy for both rhizome fly and rot complex to stabilize ginger production in the mid-hills of Nepal.