Journal of Environmental Biology

Assessing the nature of transmission, key soil enzyme activities and population dynamics of Ralstonia solanacearum (Smith), in different ginger-based intercropping approaches

R. Yonzone¹*, S. Chhetri², M.S. Devi³, S. Murmu⁴ and S. Debnath⁴      

¹College of Agriculture (Extended Campus), Uttarbanga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Majhian, Dakshin Dinajpur-733 133, India

²Department of Plant Pathology, School of Agriculture, ITM University, Gwalior-475 001, India

³College of Horticulture, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Bermiok, South Sikkim-737 134, India

⁴Department of Plant Pathology, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur-741 252, India

Received: 22 March 2024                   Revised: 30 April 2024                   Accepted: 06 January 2025

*Corresponding Author Email : rakesh@ubkv.ac.in                  *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3284-6309

Abstract

Aim: To check the seed borne nature and impact of different ginger-based intercropping system on key soil enzymes and population dynamics of Ralstonia solanacearum (Smith) under organic management practices.

Methodology: The study aimed to determine the transmission nature of R. solanacearum taking two treatments (T₁: Fresh rhizome +non-sterilized soil and T₂: Fresh rhizome + sterilized soil) with seven replications using healthy single ginger bud and the effect of six different ginger based intercropping system on key soil enzyme and population dynamics of R. solanacearum.

Results: The results obtained indicated the presence of wilted and rotted plants in sterilized soil (T₂) suggesting the involvement of infected rhizomes in disease spread. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found between the population density of R. solanacearum and both Acid phosphatase and Dehydrogenase enzymes. In contrast, a notable negative correlation was observed between the population density of R. solanacearum and β-glucosidase enzymes. Also, intercropping with marigold gave good results in reducing the population density as compared to other treatments under study.

Interpretation: The findings suggest R. solanacearum as a rhizome borne pathogen beside soil born and intercropping with marigold can be effective in suppressing the population load, thereby reducing the disease intensity.

Key words: Intercropping, Population dynamics, Phytopathogen, Ralstonia solanacearum, Rhizome, Soil enzymes

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