عبدالله احمدپور

Species of the Alternaria section Nimbya are plant pathogens or saprophytes associated mainly with the plants in the Cyperaceae and Juncaceae families. Until now, five species from this section have been reported in Iran, but their sexual morphs have not been identified. In the present study, the sexual morph of Alternaria scirpivora was induced under laboratory conditions on PCA medium containing autoclave sterilized culms of Scirpus acutus incubated at 23–25 ºC for 90 days. Mature ascomata were formed after 2–3 months, containing asci and ascospores. The morphological characteristics of the sexual and asexual morphs are described and the phylogenetic relationships of A. scirpivora with closely related species are discussed. This is the first report of the sexual stage of this species in Iran and Asia.

Grapevine decline disease (GDD) complex is a major global viticulture problem associated with a multi-year decrease in plant productivity and an increase in vine mortality, resulting in important economic losses to the viticulture industry. More than 35 fungal genera have been involved in the GDD complex, and the genus Cytospora has also been reported as one of the genera included in the disease-causing complex. This study aimed to identify Cytospora species involved in GDD complex in the vineyards of Miyandoab (West Azarbaijan province) and Malekan (East Azarbaijan province) Counties. So, during the summer and autumn of 2020-2021, sampling was done from the diseased plants showing symptoms of shoot wilting and die-back, bark and wood discoloration, brown to black discoloration of vascular tissues, and wood canker. The fungal isolation was done based on common phytopathological methods, and 78 isolates with the common characteristics of the genus Cytospora were isolated and purified. Based on the results combining morphological characteristics and sequence data obtained from three genomic regions, ITS-rDNA, TUB2, and RPB2, four species viz., C. chrysosperma (15 isolates), C. ershadii (24 isolates), C. salicina (28 isolates), and C. viticola (11 isolates) were identified. Cytospora viticola is a new species for the fungal biota of Iran, and grapevine is reported as a new host (matrix nova) for C. ershadii in Iran and the world. Pathogenicity of the selected fungal isolates from the identified species was confirmed on shoots of the Thompson seedless cultivar based on Koch's postulates.

The Comoclathris genus belongs to the Pleosporaceae family (Dothideomycetes, Pezizomycotina, Ascomycota), with most species being saprophytes. In the present study, Comoclathris typhicola was isolated from Typha latifolia (Typhaceae, Poales) exhibiting leaf spot symptoms. The species was described using PDA, MEA, and OA culture media, and its molecular identification was confirmed through sequencing of the large subunit RNA polymerase II (RPB2) gene. This is the first report of this species in Iran.

Distoseptispora generally is  regarded as a saprobic lignicolous fungal genus and presently comprises 64 species. Of these, 42 of them were found in freshwater and 22 in terrestrial habitats. Most Distoseptispora species are reported from China and Thailand, which are subtropical and tropical regions. In this study, we report Distoseptispora bambusae as a saprobic fungus on decaying leaves of common bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) based on morphological characteristics and sequence data of the ITS‒rDNA region. Distoseptispora bambusae was described, illustrated, and its morphology and phylogenetic relationships with similar Distoseptispora species were discussed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of D. bambusae on common bamboo for the mycobiota of Iran and the Middle East.

During the study of fungal taxa of gramineous plants, a hyphomycetous fungus with typical characteristics of the genus Spegazzinia was isolated from leaves of Brachypodium sp. (Poaceae), collected in Mazandaran province, Iran. The fungal species was determined as Spegazzinia tessarthra based on the combination of morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS-rDNA) region and a partial region of the translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene (tef1-α) sequences. In this study, we introduce S. tessarthra, saprobic on Brachypodium sp. leaves, as a new record for the Funga of Iran and Brachypodium sp. as a new substrate for the species. The description and illustrations of Spegazzinia tessarthra from Iran have been provided, and its morphology and phylogenetic relationships with other species of Spegazzinia have been discussed. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a species from the genus Spegazzinia in Iran, and further research is needed to determine the diversity of Spegazzinia species in the country.

Persian oak is the most important forest tree in Fars province (Iran). In order to identify the composition of Alternaria species associated with healthy and declined Persian oak trees in Fars Province, Iran, fungal isolates were recovered from twigs, trunks and leaves of healthy and declining Persian oak trees from early September to late March 2021-2022. Fungal species were identified based on both morphological and as well as molecular characteristics of the DNA sequence data of the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and plasma membrane ATPase genes. In total, 29 Alternaria isolates were obtained, which were identified as Alternaria alternata, Alternaria consortialis and Alternaria chlamydospora. Alternaria alternata showed the highest frequency approximately 51.72% and were isolated from both healthy and declining oak trees. Alternaria chlamydospora and A. consortialis were obtained only from healthy oak trees without declining symptoms with 41.38% and 6.89% frequencies,, respectively. Pathogenicity tests were conducted using all isolates in three replicates. Inoculation of different Alternaria alternata, Alternaria consortialis and Alternaria chlamydospora isolates on Persian oak seedlings did not show any symptoms after 60 days in greenhouse conditions. This is a new report of Alternaria species including A. alternata, A. consortialis and A. chlamydospora as endophytic fungi on Persian oak tree in Fars province of Iran.

In this study, twenty-one isolates of the genus Colletotrichum with straight conidia were isolated from leaf spots on wild Poaceae plants in three provinces of Iran, including East Azarbaijan, Golestan, and Guilan. Based on morphology, the isolates belonged to three morphotypes. Representative isolates were studied by a polyphasic approach, which included morphology, and phylogeny inferred from multi-locus sequences including the nuc rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS), partial sequences of the β-tubulin (TUB2), and actin (ACT) genomic regions. Three distinct species were identified namely C. chrysophilum, C. destructivum and C. orientalis.  Colletotrichum chrysophilum and C. orientalis are new records for the Funga of Iran. This study provides new insights into the host range and geographical distribution of these identified species.

Exserohilum species are plant or human pathogens, saprobes or endophytes mostly associated with grasses including cultivated cereals. At present, 11 phylogenetic species have been accepted in this genus worldwide. In this study, we introduce a novel species, Exserohilum persianum from Festuca sp. (Poaceae, Poales) showing necrotic leaf lesions based on morphological characteristics and sequence data obtained from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS‒rDNA) region, parts of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and translation elongation factor-1 alpha (TEF1) genes. A detailed morphological description, illustration and comparison with closely allied species are provided.

In order to study the taxonomy of Pyrenophora species in Iran, infected Poaceae specimens were obtained from West Azerbaijan province during the years 2018–21. Twenty specimens of Pyrenophora were isolated from Poaceae. Based on the morphological characteristics and molecular data [the internal transcribed spacer (ITS-rDNA) region and GAPDH (Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) gene], three species of Pyrenophora viz. eight isolates of P. chaetomioides on Avena sativa, four isolates of P. catenaria on Poa sp., and eight isolates of P. semeniperda on Hordeum vulgare were identified. In the present paper, Pyrenophora chaetomioides and P. catenaria are introduced as new records for the funga of Iran. Full descriptions and illustrations as well as the economic significance and host range of new species are provided.

In this study, genetic diversity of 70 isolates of Colletotrichum fructicola obtained from the leaf spot symptoms on a variety of cultivated and wild plants in different regions of three northern provinces of Iran, including Guilan, Mazandaran and Golestan, was investigated using the ISSR molecular marker. Cluster analysis of the results of DNA fingerprinting using five ISSR primers for 70 isolates of C. fructicola cleraly reverlaed genetic diversity among the isolates. Based on this, 70 isolates were differentiated into eight colonal lineages. These results showed that there is a high level of genetic diversity among isolates of this fungal species. No direct correlation between DNA fingerprinting groups and geographical origin and host of the isolates was observed. In order to evaluate the efficiency of ISSR molecular marker in differentiating C. fructicola isolates from isolates of some close and dominant species of the genus Colletotrichum, DNA fingerprinting using this molecular marker for 89 isolates including 85 C. fructicola isolates, two C. gloeosporioides isolates, one isolate for each of C. aenigma and C. karstii was performed. Based on the comparison of the DNA fingerprinting pattern and the drawn phenogram, 89 isolates were placed in four main groups (A-D) at the genetic similarity level of 70%. So that the isolates of colonal lineages A-D belonged to C. karstii, C. fructicola, C. gloeosporioides and C. aenigma species, respectively. To ensure the accuracy of the identification, 28 isolates from different clonal lineages were selected as representatives for molecular identification based on the sequencing of the beta-tubulin (TUB2) gene region and the APN2/MAT1 (ApMAT) intergenic space. Phylogenetic analysis showed the accuracy of identification and the efficiency of ISSR molecular marker as a useful tool in grouping and separating the dominant species of the genus Colletotrichum.

The genus Botrytis P. Micheli ex Pers., is an efficient and cosmopolitan plant pathogenic fungus, causing destructive plant disesaes and significant crop losses in a wide variety of plant species all over the world. In order to identification of Botrytis species from different crop plants, symptomatic plants were collected from different orchards and greenhouses in Urmia, Miyandoab, Sardasht and Piranshahr (West Azarbaijan province) and Sanandaj (Kurdistan province). Totally, 271 Botrytis isolates were recovered from grapevine (168 isolates), strawberry (44 isolates), apple (18 isolates), ornamental plants (Geranium, Aloe vera and Cacti) (39 isolates) and white-headed cabbage (2 isolates). Based on comparision of morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses using sequences of three protein coding genes G3PDH, HSP60 and RPB2, three species including Botrytis cinerea, B. prunorum and B. sinoviticola were identified. Botrytis prunorum with 125 isolates were the most prevalent species followed by B. cinerea (116 isolates), and B. sinovticola (30 isolates). Botrytis prunorum is a new species to Iran mycobiota and apple, grapevine, geranium and strawberry are introduced as new hosts (matrix nova) for this species. Also, apple and grapevine are reported here as new hosts for B. sinovticola. Results of pathgenicity tests of the selected isolates from the identified species on leaves and berries of Thompson seedlees grape showed that isolates of B. cinerea and B. prunorum had the highest and lowest aggressiveness on both leaves and fruits, respectively and B. sinoviticola isolates had moderate aggressiveness.

Root and crown common rotdisease caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana, has caused severe losses of wheat products worldwide. A collection of 147 monoconidial isolates was made from cultivated wheat in West Azerbaijan (Miyandoab), Golestan (Gorgan), Alborz (Karaj), Kermanshah (Kermanshah) and Fars (Shiraz) provinces in 2017-2018. After morphological and molecular identification, mating type primers were designed based on a conserved DNA binding (alpha domain) in MAT-1 and the high mobility group (HMG) domain in MAT-2. Frequency of mating type idiomorphs of B. sorokiniana isolates were done by multiplex PCR. Among 147 isolates of five population, 86 isolates amplified by MAT-1 primer and 61 isolates by MAT-2 primer. Frequencies of MAT-1 alleles in Shiraz and Gorgan populations was more than the MAT-2 alleles. According to the results of the Chi-square test (X2), Karaj, Kermanshah and Miyandoab populations had not significant difference (P<0.05). Therefore, these three populations have the highest potential for sexual reproduction than the otherthreepopulations. In addition, isolates from all of the populations were studied to evaluate the sexual fertility in vitro. After two months, pseudothecia without mature asci and ascospores formed in media.

In a recent survey on apple orchards showing stem canker, dieback and decline symptoms in West Azerbayjan province, Iran, several fungal isolates with typical characteristics of the genus Cytospora were obtained. Combination of morphological and cultural characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of internal transcribed spacer region of the nrDNA (ITS-rDNA) and parts of large subunit of ribosomal DNA (LSU), actin (ACT) and RNA polymerase II (RPB2) genes were used to accurate delimitation of fungal species. Four Cytospora species viz. C. chrysosperma, C. germanica, C. paratranslucens and C. salicina were identified. Pathogenicity tests were conducted on detached branches of ‘Golden delicious’ and ‘Red delicious’ apple cultivars. Isolates of C. salicina caused characteristic lesions on both ‘Golden delicious’ and ‘Red delicious’ apple cultivars, while isolates of C. chrysosperma, C. germanica and C. paratranslucens were only pathogenic on ‘Red delicious’ apple cultivar. Re-isolation and identification of the inoculated fungi confirmed Koch’s postulates. This study indicated the presence of different Cytospora species causing apple canker, dieback and decline disease in the studied area. Cytospora germanica and C. salicina are reported for the first time as causal agents of apple canker disease. Moreover, these species are reported as new records for the mycobiota of Iran.

Barley leaf stripe caused by the fungus Pyrenophora graminea, is one of the most important and devastating barley diseases in Iran. A total of 121 P. graminea isolates was recovered from cultivated barley in West Azerbaijan (Miyandoab region), East Azerbaijan (Miyaneh region), Ardebil (Ardebil region) and Zanjan (Khorramdareh region) provinces in 2016. After morphological and molecular identification, mating type primers were designed based on a conserved DNA binding (alpha domain) in MAT-1 and the high mobility group (HMG) domain in MAT-2. Frequency of mating type idiomorphs of P. graminea isolates were done by Multiplex PCR. Among 121 isolates, 56 isolates amplified by MAT-1 primer and 65 isolates by MAT-2 primer. Frequencies of two mating types in Khorramdareh (1) and Miyandoab populations had an excess of the MAT-1 and MAT-2 alleles, respectively. According to the results of the Chi-square test (X2), Miyaneh, Ardebil (1 and 2) and Khoramdareh (2) populations had not significant difference in compared with Khorramdareh (1) and Miyandoab populations. Therefore, these four populations have the highest potential for sexual reproduction than the two populations of Miyandoab and Khorramdareh (1). In addition, isolates from all of the populations were studied to evaluate the sexual fertility through directed crossing with opposite mating types. After six months, pseudothecia formed in media without mature asci and ascospores.

In order to study the Bipolaris and Curvularia species associated with corn, sorghum and sugarcane, sampeling were performed from different regions of Iran (including Alborz, Ardabil, Fars, Gilan, Golestan, Khuzestan, Mazandaran and Zanjan provinces) during the summer of 2011 and 2012. Fungal species were identified based on morphological features and molecular data of ITS regions of ribosomal DNA. Eleven species including Viz. Bipolaris cynodontis (48 isolates), B. sorghicola (16 isolates), B. maydis (17 isolates), B. sorokiniana (seven isolates), B. bicolor (four isolates) and B. oryzae (two isolates), Curvularia spicifera (19 isolates), C. papendorfii (ten isolates), C. ellisii (two isolates), and C. hawaiiensis (one isolate) were identified. Pathogenicity test of the species were performed on four to six leaf stage of corn, sorghum and sugarcane seedlings. Finally, pathogenicity of B. maydis, B. sorokiniana and B. oryzae on corn and B. sorghicola on sorghum seedlings were confirmed. This is the first report of occurrence and pathogenicity of B. sorokiniana and B. oryzae on corn leaves in Iran.

In a taxonomic study of Exserohilum and Pyrenophora species in Iran, infected plant materials were obtained from different provinces (West and East Azerbaijan, Guilan, Mazandaran, Isfahan and Khuzestan), during the years 2013–16. A total number of fourty eight isolates including 26 Exserohilum and 22 Pyrenophora isolates were obtained from various plants. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and GPDH (Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) gene were amplified and sequenced for representative isolates. Based on a combination of morphological characteristics and sequence data, six species of Exserohilum viz., E. monoceras (three isolates), E. oryzicola (five isolates), E. rostratum (12 isolates), E. turcicum (six isolates),and Pyrenophora viz., P. dictyoides (one isolate) P. graminea (19 isolates), and P. lolii (two isolates) were identified. Among the species, E. oryzicola is new species for the mycobiota of Iran. Full description and illustration for the new species are provided herewith. New hosts are also reported for E. rostratum,and P. lolii.