Summary

This project aims to increase the ginger industry capacity, through QDAF, to respond to GRKN. Project work will include ginger-specific research for pathogenicity, as well as assess and develop tools to rapidly identify GRKN and other root knot nematodes (RKN) in ginger production. 

The first component of the project will test the suitability of new international molecular diagnostic tools in the rapid identification of Australian nematode populations. Specifically this component will assess the ability of the tools to rapidly identify the four prevalent RKN species (including GRKN) in comparison to traditional microscopy identification. Where there are gaps in the new tools, QDAF will develop suitable tests (PCR Primers) for use against Australian populations. 
The second component will assess and compare different inoculum loads of GKRN and other prevalent RKN species for their impacts on growth parameters and disease symptoms in two popular commercial ginger cultivars.   
 

Program

Ginger

Research Organisation

The State of Queensland acting through the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

Objective Summary

• Improved, rapid root-knot diagnostics for the ginger industry to assist management decisions.
• Knowledge of the impacts of GRKN on commercial ginger varieties at differing inoculum loads, compared with the current root-knot species.