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Abstract
In recent years, the domestic and international markets for ginger have grown. In Jamaica, grower interest in this crop has fluctuated with traditional price-induced gluts and shortages. Nevertheless, numerous fanners still rely on ginger as a major seasonal source of income. Since 1995, the major ginger growing areas experienced a rhizome rot whieh has since intensified and spread. This disease complex now presents a major threat to the ginger industry in Jamaiea as present average total damage levels approximate 55%. The pathogens Fusarium spp., Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia spp., Pseudomonas spp. and Verticillium spp. were isolated from diseased rhizomes. The disease eomplex has adversely affected both exports and local supply, forcing prices up and restricting availability ofplanting material. An experiment was established to evaluate chemical disease control. Pre-plant fungicide/bacteristatic/baetericide rhizome dips were superior to the untreated control (farmer practice). Results are presented.