Molecular characterization of ZzR1 resistance gene from Zingiber zerumbet with potential for imparting Pythium aphanidermatum resistance in ginger

► Ginger production is seriously constrained by soft rot caused by Pythium spp. ► CC-NBS-LRR R-gene isolated from Pythium resistant ginger relative, Z. zerumbet ► Expression of isolated R-gene named ZzR1 induced upon P. aphanidermatum infection. ► ZzR1 pivotal in providing insight into the molecular mechanism of resistance. ► Results pave way for transgenic improvement of the susceptible ginger cultivars.