یوبرت قوستا

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.

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary is a globally distributed necrotrophic fungus that infects a wide range of plants. The management of this pathogen in crops typically requires a combination of methods, with resistant cultivars and fungicide applications being the most commonly used strategies. It is essential to comprehend the evolutionary potential of S. sclerotiorum in a specific region in order to effectively control this pathogen, conduct germplasm evaluations, and develop resistant cultivars. An in-depth analysis of aggressiveness variation, diversity and distribution of mycelial compatibility groups (MCGs), and the occurrence of sexual reproduction via the methods, such as mating type genotype determination can provide valuable insights into the genetic diversity, and evolutionary potential of this fungus. In West Azarbaijan province, S. sclerotiorum poses a significant threat to sunflower and cabbage crops, causing considerable losses. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of research that compares the aggressiveness diversities and MCG of fungal isolates from these two hosts. Additionally, there is presently no information available regarding the mating type genotypes of the pathogen populations in the province and other regions of the country. This study was conducted to investigate, and compare MCGs and aggressiveness diversity in S. sclerotiorum populations from sunflower, and cabbage fields in West Azarbaijan province. The research also aimed to identify mating type genotypes, and compare their aggressiveness diversity.

This study examined 136 S. sclerotiorum isolates collected from sunflower, and cabbage fields in Urmia, Salmas, and Khoy in West Azarbaijan province, Iran. The mating type alleles of the isolates were determined using specific primers. Isolates in which either Inv+ MAT (inversion positive) or Inv– MAT allele was detected were classified as Inv+ MAT or Inv– MAT genotype, respectively. Isolates showing amplification of both alleles were categorized as heterokaryon genotypes. The MCGs of isolates were determined by pairing them in all possible combinations on potato dextrose agar supplemented with McCormick food color. The number of MCGs was determined both for total isolates and for each of the populations. To evaluate MCG diversity, MCG richness (ratio of different MCGs) was calculated for the populations. The level of aggressiveness of 80 specific isolates was evaluated by inoculating them on detached leaves of sunflower and cabbage, and then measuring the diameters of the resulting lesions five days after the inoculation. Lesion diameter data were normalized via logarithmic transformation, and analyzed using a general linear model in Minitab 17 software. Means were compared using Tukey–Kramer honestly significant difference (HSD) test at a significance level of P < 0.05.

The specific primers successfully amplified MAT alleles in the studied isolates, leading to the identification of three genotypes, Inv– MAT, Inv+ MAT, and heterokaryon, within 136 S. sclerotiorum isolates. These genotypes were distributed as follows: 74 isolates (54.41%) were Inv– MAT, 22 isolates (16.18%) were Inv+ MAT, and 40 isolates (29.41%) were heterokaryon. While all three MAT genotypes were present across all geographical regions, and on both host plants, the Inv– MAT genotype was the most frequent genotype in all regions and on sunflower, while heterokaryon genotype was more common among cabbage isolates. A total of 17 MCGs, designated MCG1 to MCG17, were identified in the 136 isolates. Eleven of these MCGs had multiple isolates, with MCG1, MCG2, and MCG3 having the highest number of isolates, respectively. MCG1 and MCG6 were found in all three studied regions and on both hosts, while MCG4 was detected in Urmia and Salmas on both hosts. Other MCGs with multiple isolates were restricted to one or two regions and one host only. The total MCG richness among all 136 isolates was 12.5%, with cabbage isolates exhibiting a greater MCG richness of 18.6% than sunflower isolates, which had a smaller MCG richness of 12.9%. Salmas had the highest level of diversity among the regional populations, with a mean MCG richness of 29.6%. A significant difference in lesion diameter on detached leaves of sunflower and cabbage was observed among the isolates. Significant differences were observed in the lesion diameters of isolates from hosts, MAT genotypes, and MCGs, all at a statistically significant level of 1%. The isolates from cabbage, and those with a heterokaryon genotype demonstrated higher aggressiveness compared to sunflower isolates, and other MAT genotypes, respectively.

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.

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.

Zinc (Zn) is one of the micronutrient that is in calcareous soils in low solubility forms. One of the ways of supplying Zn of the plant in these conditions is the use of microorganisms as biofertilizer. A suitable carrier is needed to supply these fertilizers. Therefore, this study was performed to isolation and identification of Zn solubilizing bacteria from soil and to evaluate the survival of the superior strain in various carriers during nine months in a completely randomized two-factor design (carrier and Time) was performed with three replications. Solid carriers included perlite, peat moss, sawdust, sugar beet waste, manure, vermicompost, azolla, biochar (azolla and apple), bran and talc. In this study, bacterial inoculants prepared with the same initial population after storage at room temperature were compared for the survival of the bacteria. For counting the bacteria in microbial carriers, MPN counting method was used in each month. The results showed that out of 24 samples of the rhizosphere soil, 15 strains of Zn-solubilizing bacteria were isolated and purified. Five isolates found to be the most efficient in solubilizing insoluble Zn compounds were examined for molecular identification. Based on gene 16S rRNA sequencing, three of the isolates belonged to the genus of Pseudomonas, and two to Enterobacter. The highest solubility index (2.28) was related to Pseudomonas fluorescens strains which were used for inoculation of microbial carriers by Ur 22 strain. The results of bacterial count in carriers showed that among the tested carriers, the highest population counted after nine months in carrier of apple biochar (5.07 log cfu g-1) and azolla biochar (5.07 log cfu g-1), and the lowest population was obtained in talc carrier (2.11 log cfu g-1). In general, it can be said that among the tested carriers, Biochar is recommended due to its good properties and cost-effectiveness.

Cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae (L.), is one of the most important pests of cabbage crops. The use of plant-based insecticides, as well as biological control agents such as insect pathogenic fungi, has been considered as complementary methods in integrated pest management. In this research, the effect of Bino2 and two types of entomopathogenic fungi, Metarhizium anisopliae AB and Lecanicillium lecanii 229, as biological insecticides on the protein content, digestive protease activity, chitinase enzyme, acetylcholinesterase and glutathione-S-transferase enzymes of the cabbage aphid adults were examined at a temperature of 25±2 °C, relative humidity of 60±5% and a photoperiod of 16:8 h (L: D). The results indicated that the use of lethal concentration (LC50) of the fungal isolates caused the digestion of protein and chitin in the aphid cuticle, which in turn increased the sensitivity of aphids to these agents by increasing the secretion of protease and chitinase enzymes.  Also, the Bino2 insecticide had an anti-nutritional effect by reducing the amount of protein and inhibiting the activity of digestive enzymes. In parallel to the decrease in the activity of digestive enzymes, the activity of detoxifying enzymes also decreased under the influence of the Bino2. The results of this research showed that the tested entomopathogenic fungi and Bino2 insecticide led to an increase in the mortality of cabbage aphids, thus the obtained information can be used in the management of this pest.

Oomycete species occupy many different environments and many ecological niches. The family Saprolegniaceae from Oomycota includes widely distributed water molds which usually behave as saprophytes on plants and animal debris. Members of some species may also be pathogenic for plants and fish. Oomycete species identification based on DNA is well established, but DNA barcoding with cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COXI) and II (COX II) are a relatively new approach. In this study, 57 isolates were obtained from water samples in mazandaran province, Iran. After morphological identification by morphological keys, ITS, COXI , and COX II gene regions of 10 representatives of the isolates were sequenced and 3 genera and 6 species (Newbya recurva, Achlya bisexualis, Dictyuchus monosporus, Saprolegnia ferax, S. bulbosa , and S. debaryana) were identified through BLASTn in NCBI gene bank. The results described in this paper were indicated that except for ITS, COXI and COXII sequencing could also be valuable resources to Saprolegniaceae identification. Except for S. ferax, other described species were new reports for oomycete biota of Iran.

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.

Soil-borne fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum or white mold is the cause of the destructive disease of root and stem rot of many plants. Chemical control due to the lack of highly resistant cultivars is the most important method in the pathogen management program in various plants. However, the repeated use of fungicides leads to the development of resistant strains in pathogen populations. The use of fungicides with different modes of action, especially those with a synergistic effect, is one the most important anti-resistance methods.

In this research, the effect of different mixing ratios in pairs of carbendazim, iprodione, and tebuconazole fungicides and their possible synergistic activity on four S. sclerotiorum isolates were investigated in vitro conditions. For this purpose, the isolates were cultured on potato dextrose agar, containing different concentrations of fungicides mixtures, and EC50 values and the synergy factors were then determined for different mixtures ratios.

Tebuconazole: carbendazim mixture in 1:7 ratio, with a synergistic activity, inhibited all the isolates growth, and carbendazim: iprodione mixture in 1:9 ratio showed a synergistic effect on three isolates.

The mixture of tabuconazole: carbendazim in 1:7 ratio had the best synergistic activity, and inhibitory effect on the growth of all the pathogen isolates, so it has the potential to be used in the management program of S. sclerotiorum.

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.

In order to study of cabbage leaf spot disease in Damavand region, Tehran province, Iran, symptomatic cabbage leaves (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) were collected during the late summer and fall of 2017. Twenty-one isolates with the main characteristics of the genus Alternaria were isolated from lesions on the cabbage leaves. Based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis using multi-gene sequences, they were identified as Alternaria telliensis. Pathogenicity tests were conducted on cabbage leaves under greenhouse conditions and characteristic lesions were formed on inoculated leaves. Re-isolation of the inoculated fungus from the treated leaves confirmed Koch’s postulates. Based on the available information, this is the first occurrence of A. telliensis as a new species and pathogen to cabbage plants in Iran.

Fungi, as the dominant decomposers of plant and animal debris have vital roles in recycling of nutrients in all ecosystems. They, because of causing economically important diseases in plants and animals, formation of symbiotic interactions with a wide array of organisms, their widespread uses in food and pharmaceutical industries, biotechnology, production of biofuels and bioremediation in polluted areas, are of great importance. Using fungal potential for improvement of human life needs their isolation and correctly identification at species level. In this study, the species diversity of fungi from diverse substrates including rotted potato tubers, dried shoots of apple trees, leaf debris of apple, ash and sycamore and stem debris of reed plants collected from different locations of Urmia, West Azarbaijan province were evaluated. 25 isolates with synnematous asexual fruiting bodies were isolated and purified. Identification of the isolates was done based on the combination of morphological characteristics of asexual fruiting bodies as well as sequences obtained from ITS-rDNA and β-tubulin genomic regions for Cephalotrichum isolates and ITS-rDNA and rpb2 genomic regions for Volutella isolates. Three species Viz.: Cephalotrichum asperulum (J.E. Wright & S. Marchand) Sandoval-Dennis, Guarro & Gené, Cephalotrichum nanum (Ehrenb.) S. Hughes and Volutella citrinella (Cooke & Massee) Seifert were identified. Volutella citronella isolates were isolated from potato tubers with decaying symptoms, while those of Cephalotrichum species were isolated from different plant debris. These species, to the best of our knowledge, are new records to Iran mycobiota and complete description of them is provided here

Golpar, Heracleum persicum Desf. Ex Fischer Belongs to Apiaceae Family that broadly in traditional medicine it is used as a spice and food flavor, pickles agent and has anti-worm, carminative, appetizer, and diuretic properties. This investigation aimed to study on essential oil composition and antifungal effect of three populations of H. persicum Desf. Ex Fischer from Northwest of Iran. In the present study seeds of plant harvested from Meshkin Shahr, Marmishu, and Aynalu. Essential oil (EO) were extracted by Clevenger apparatus with hydrodistillation method and compounds were identified using GC-MS instrument. Antifungal property of EO was also determined through the mycelial growth inhibition (MGI) index by a Poison Food Technique. Overall, 40 compounds were identified among them Hexyl butyrate (38.77 to 43.27%), n-octyl acetate (13.92 to 28.09 %), Hexyl methyl butyrate (3.95 to 8.01%) and n-Hexyl hexanat (5.14 to 6.97 %) were the major components. Antifungal effect of the EOs was also determined through the culture medium poisoning method and evaluated based on mycelial growth inhibition (MGI) index. The results showed that the Golpar essential oil inhibited mycelial growth of Penicillium expansum, Aspergillus niger and Botrytis cinerea. Also, in concentrations of 200 and 300 ppm, mycelial growth of B. cinerea was completely inhibited. The results of this study showed that essential oils in populations Golpar due to having high percentage oxygenated terpenoid compounds, showed inhibitory effect on studied fungi.

Various evaluations have shown that agricultural operations can have a dramatic impact on the quality of soils. Therefore, knowledge of soil quality in agricultural and natural resources is essential for optimal land management and achieving maximum economic efficiency. In this research, the long-term effects of conventional agricultural management in three areas of Ziveh, Nazlo, and Sirdagh with different moisture properties. Four soil samples (including two cultivated soil samples and two adjacent un-cultivated soil samples as control) were collected from each region in West Azerbaijan province. Some soil biological and chemical properties were investigated. Basal respiration rates, respiration due to substrate, microbial biomass, microbial population and nematode populations were investigated. The results showed that cultivation reduced basal respiration, substrate induced respiration, microbial population and nematode population in the studied areas. Also in uncultivated land use basal respiration rates (1.25, 1.1 and 1.75) and substrate respiration (1.8, 2.2 and 1.4) increase related to cultivated in the studied areas Sirdaghi, Naslow and ziveh, respectively. Basal respiration, substrate-induced respiration, carbon availability index and population of nematodes were 1.25, 1.8, 1.6 and 3.28 times higher in uncultivated related to cultivated in Sirdaghi, respectively. In general, it can be concluded that unscientific cultivation operations and lack of increasing organic matter will result in a loss of biological properties, and in the long- time result a decrease in soil quality.

Agricultural practices may decline the quality of soils. Knowing the temporal changes of soil quality in the agriculture lands is crucial for optimal management of lands and to achieve the maximum economic efficiency. In this study, some physical characteristics of four cultivated soil were compared with neighboring non-cultivated soils as control treatments. A given site, four soil samples (including two soil samples from cultivated lands and the two soil samples from adjacent non-cultivated lands) were collected. Soil structural stability, soil moisture retention curves, particle size distribution and porosity of soil, mechanical strength, plant available water and aeration, relative field capacity, integral water capacity was measured. In the cultivated lands, soil structural stability, macroporosity and field capacity were decreased, while the microporosity and soil sensitivity to crusting were increased compared with the uncultivated lands. It could be concluded that agricultural practices decline the soil quality that should be avoided by proper soil management.

Diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.) is one of the most destructive insect pests of brassicaceous crops in Iran and throughout the world. Chemical pesticides play a key role in managing DBM, however, the adverse effects of chemical insecticides and the significant resistance of the pest to the broad range of synthetic insecticides has led to increased attention to the use of safe and eco-friendly components. Therefore, in this research we examined pathogenicity of two Metarhizium anisopliae isolates (AM111 & AH112) and synthesized Metarhizium anisopliae AM111@Fe3O4 against the 3rd instar larva of diamondback moth under laboratory conditions. Toxicity comparisons of nano-formulated fungus and non-formulated one demonstrated a significant decrease in the LC50 value of Metarhizium anisopliae AM111@Fe3O4 estimated as 2.5 × 104 conidia/ ml that exhibited nano-formulated fungus was more efficient against the pest. Mean comparisons of pure and formulated fungus repellencies showed that nano-fungus significantly was more repellent against the third instar larvae of DBM, so mean repellency values of non-formulated fungus and nano-fungus on 3rd instar larvae of DBM were equivalent to 69 and 74.66%, respectively. Also, in enzymatic study, protease Pr1 activity comparisons in optimal pH (=11) exhibited significant difference between control and fungal treatment and the most level of Pr1 activity was observed in fungal treatment. Pr1 activity levels in nano-fungus and non-formulated fungus treatments were equivalent to 2.994 and 0.051 mg/ml, respectively. Our results showed that nano-fungus was more effective on P. xylostella relative to pure-fungus and Metarhizium anisopliae AM111@Fe3O4 can be used as an efficient new component in integrated P. xylostella management.

Abstract Black (sooty) head mold of wheat and barley, which is commonly characterized by black discoloration of their heads, is caused by different fungi colonizing the mature and senescent heads. It seems that black head mold develops more on plants when humid conditions occurs as the crop matures, or when harvest is delayed due to wet conditions and/or when portions of plants specially heads are died prematurely. During an investigation on fungal species associated with black head mold of wheat and barley in Golestan, Alborz and Qazvin provinces in the spring and summer of 2014 and 2015, a total of 133 Alternaria isolates with the characteristics of the section Infectoriae were collected. Based on the results obtained from morphological studies and data from nucleotide sequences of the two genomic loci, ITS–nrDNA and part of gelyceraldehyde–3–phosphate dehydrogenase (gpdh), four species Viz. Alternaria arbusti, A. ethzedia, A. incomplexa and A. triticimaculans were identified. All identified species in the case of this study are reported for the first time as Alternaria species associated with black head mold symptoms of wheat and barley in the world. Also, except for A. arbusti, which was previously reported from cabbage plants in Iran, the remaining three species are new records for mycobiota of Iran. The species are fully described here.

During the surveys of sugarcane fields of Amir Kabir agro-industry in Khuzestan province in 2015, black rot symptoms were observed in underground parts of sugarcane plants (cultivar Sp 70-1143). Symptomatic plant samples were collected and transferred into the laboratory, surface sterilized with 1% sodium hypochlorite and were grown on potato-dextrose-agar amended with streptomycin sulfate (100 ppm/L). Ceratocystis Ellis & Hals. was isolated from all examined plant samples. The nuclear ITS-rDNA region of a representative isolate (AP2) was amplified and sequenced using ITS1/ITS4 primer pairs (White et al. 1990). A Blast search of the ITS-rDNA sequence (KX008521) in GenBank, revealed a 100% identity with different isolates of Ceratocystis adiposa.

Ferula angulata (Schltdl.) Boiss. is belongs to Apiaceae family, due to presence of major monoterpenes such as α-pinene and β-pinene are widely used in perfume and pharmacological industries. In order to evaluation of essential oil variation of plant, the samples were collected in different stages (vegetative, flowering and seeding) from 2500, 3000 and 3500 m above sea level. The essential oils were extracted with water distillation method and were analyzed by using GC and GC/MS and the antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH method. Results were showed that in high altitude at fruit set stage, the content of estragole (33.43%), thujone (21.19%), cis-β-Ocimene (15.91%) terpinen-4-ol (14.49 %) and β-pinene (12.69%) were increased. The amount of estragole at various growing stage and at 2500 m altitude was 0 - 33.4 %. Thujone was found only at 2500 m altitude (2.67-21.19%). cis-β-ocimene at various growing stage and at different altitudes were found (2.92-15.91%). Result demonstrated that the plant had the highest antioxidant activity in 2500 -3000m altitude, especially in flowering stage. It can be concluded that the highest essential oil in Ferulago angulata obtained at flowering stage in high level of altitude.

The cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae (L.), is a major pest of cruciferous crops all over the world that causes a considerable damage on different products by direct sap feeding and transmission of pathogenic viruses. Use of chemical pesticides is the most common control method of this pest but the adverse effects of these pesticides have shifted considerations to other environmental-friendly agents. In this study, the virulence of two isolates (DEMI001 and V245) of the fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae (Metch.) Sorokin was investigated against the adults of cabbage aphid in laboratory conditions. Adult aphids were treated with (103-107 conidia/ml) concentrations of fungus. Moreover, life table parameters of aphid were evaluated when treated with sub-lethal (LC30) concentration of the effective isolate, DEMI001. Results showed that the adults of cabbage aphid were completely sensitive to the isolates of fungus. LC50 values was scored 1.5×105 and 2.3×106 conidia/ml respectively for DEMI001 and V245 isolates. The shortest time needed for the mortality of 50% of the population was 6.67 days belonging to DEMI001 isolate at 107 conidia/ml concentration. Moreover, results showed that a sub-lethal (LC30) concentration of DEMI001 isolate, had significant effect on fertility of treated aphids. The values of rm and λ parameters were 0.28 female/female/day and 1.32 female/day, respectively. Our results showed that M. anisopliae can be used as an effective biocontrol agent in cabbage aphid control.