Molecular characterisation of Proxipyricularia zingiberis causing blast disease of ginger in Vietnam

In Vietnam, ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the most prevalent and valuable crops used for fresh spices, medicinal purposes for domestic consumption, and exportation. In recent years, however, the blast disease has emerged as the most cost-effective component in ginger production, resulting in significant yield losses. The purpose of this study was to identify and characterise the causal pathogen isolated from blast disease-like lesions on ginger. We conducted morphological characterisation, pathogenicity test, and PCR assays with different target genes and as well as phylogenetic analyses of the ITS region, and actin gene. The findings suggested that the pathogen responsible for the blast disease on ginger was Proxipyricularia zingiberis. This is the first time P. zingiberis has been linked to ginger blast disease in Vietnam.