Selected plant defence activators were employed to induce systemic resistance in a susceptible cultivar of ginger against Pythium aphanidermatum (Edson) Fitz., a severe rhizome rot causing pathogen. Among the 6 cultivars of ginger tested, Varada was most susceptible, followed by Suprabha and Maran. Prior to sowing, soaking of rhizome seeds for I hr in 5 mM salicylic acid (SA), DL-β-aminobutyric acid (BABA) or 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (BTH), significantly reduced the disease. Systemic protection against disease was evident even after 8 weeks of treatment. Analysis of leaf proteins of non-inoculated, inoculated and activator-treated both non-inoculated and inoculated plants (cv. Suprabha) by SDS-PAGE (Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) and Image Master VDS-ID gel analysis version 3.0 showed 18 protein bands including 3-5 defence related proteins having molecular masses 67, 56, 32, 20 and 14 kDa. These defence proteins increased in activator-treated inoculated plants and enhanced the resistance against P. aphanidermatum. In vitro growth response of P. aphanidermatum to different conc. of SA, BABA and BTH was tested. SA and BABA, respectively were the most and least inhibitory to the fungus.