Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) is important cash in the Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayan region. As it is an annual crop needing minimal care but with a high economic return, it is popular among the low income group of farmers. It is widely cultivated and has a ready market in villages in this region. Rhizome rot disease caused by fungi (Pythium spp., and Fusarium oxyporium f. sp. zingiberi) and bacteria [Pseudomonas (Ralstonia) solaniserum] is the major problem all over the ginger growing areas of India. Hayward (1994) also reported bacterial wilt from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. The pathogen outbreak in Australia during the 1960s was subject to strict quarantine and other control measures and it is believed that Pseudomonas (Ralstonia) solaniserum bio-var 4 is eradicated now from this country. There was a decline of 6.7 percent in national production in India 1994-95 as compared to that of 1993-94 mainly due to rhizome rot disease. However, many cultivars and local species are facing the threat of extinction for many reasons other than disease.