Role of Endophytes in Modulating Pythium Infection in Zingiberaceae – A General Review

By : Divya L., Mani Shankar Babu

Page No: 129-137

Abstract
The Zingiberaceae family is widely recognized for its therapeutic and medicinal properties. Most of the members of this family being valuable spice crop, significantly boost the local economy in the areas where they are grown. Ornamental value of some members reserves a unique position. Tropical and subtropical nations rely heavily on the commercial cultivation of ginger and turmeric. India is home to some of the most varied and abundant populations of Zingiberaceae. Rhizome rot is the most devastating disease caused by Pythium species evidenced with almost 90% crop loss. Current approaches of disease control cannot be fully relied upon. So, there is an urgent need for effective alternatives. Endophytes are being extensively investigated as a potent biotic agent to manage a variety of diseases in many crop plants. The purpose of this review is to enumerate the studies conducted on the feasibility of using endo phytes against Pythium infection in Zingiberaceae.

Authors:
Divya L. : Postgraduate and Research Department of Botany, University College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
Mani Shankar Babu : Postgraduate and Research Department of Botany, University College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/JPSR.2024.40.01.15