Ginger Blight Epidemic in Nigeria: Farmers’ Nightmare, How Far So Far

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is a high-value spice crop grown in several states across Nigeria, including Kano, Benue, Plateau, Bauchi, Nasarawa and Southern Kaduna State- the traditional home of ginger in Nigeria and accounts for about 85% of the country’s total production. Ginger is rich in bioactive compounds and is widely utilized in several cuisines and industries. To improve Nigeria’s foreign exchange profits and foster domestic trade for the populace, its production was increased. However, ginger production has been severely threatened by the outbreak and recurrence of ginger blight disease, as well as other diseases caused by other microorganisms a destructive rhizome rot primarily caused by Fusarium species. This review provides a thorough overview of ginger blight disease in Nigeria, combining recent economic analysis and government interventions and highlights the potential of biotechnological approaches, including spray-induced gene silencing, molecular diagnostics, tissue culture-based production of disease-free planting materials, biological control, and genetic improvement as sustainable solutions and eco-friendly alternatives for long-term disease management.