Rostaniha
Year:2008 | Volume:9 | Issue:1 (30)|Papers Count:20

During 2003-05 Iranian provinces in the Southern Caspian coast (Gilan, Mazandaran and Golestan Provinces, N. Iran) were investigated in order to collect and identify fungicolous species on various fungal hosts. Fifty-seven isolates were obtained and these were classified into seven genera, Acremonium, Cladobotryum, Fusarium, Sepedonium, Hypomyces, Lecanicillium, Simplicillium and Trichoderma. Among 13 species obtained, Acremonium cf. recifei, Cladobotryum purpureum, C. mycophilum, Sepedonium microspermum, Simplicillium lanosoniveum, Lecanicillium wallacei are new records for Iran. A few isolates belonging to Acremonium, Fusarium and Sepedonium (Table 1) could not be identified to species level with the available methods and literature. Trichoderma was the most frequently isolated genus.

The genus Cyperus with five subgenus and 29 species, is the second largest genus of Cyperaceae family in flora of Iran. In this research, stem and leaf anatomy of 10 species belonging to subgenus Cyperus is investigated. The stems in transverse section of all examined species were triangular except for C. bulbosus which was subterete to polygonal. The ground tissue was spongy with numerous and large air cavities in all studied taxa, while in C. bulbosus was spongy with small air cavities or not. In C. glomeratus and C. malaccensis, ground tissue is net-like with numerous air cavities. Leaf anatomy of all studied species showed radiate chlorenchyma and 2-layered bundle sheaths (outer fibrous and inner parenchymatous). Air cavities are composed of stellate cells except for C. bulbosus.

Three new records of Tanacetum L., namely, T. punctatum and T. zahlbruckneri from Azerbaidjan and T. vulgare from Mazandaran Provinces are reported for the first time from Iran. Illustrations and distribution map are also presented for each species.

Mouteh Refuge covers an area of 200,000 hectars situated in the northwest of Meymeh and southwest of Delijan. Minimum and maximum of altitude are 1800 and 3000 m, respectively. The Refuge presents a variety of habitats, including stony slopes, pedimont plains, alluvial plains, salt marshes, saline rivers and springs.A total of 580 species and subspecific taxa were identified based on plant samples collected in several years. They include two gymnosperms, 502 dicotyledones and 76 monocotyledones. Altogether, 63 families and 287 genera are known from the area. The following families have the highest number of species: Asteraceae (14.3 %), Fabaceae (10.2 %), Brassicaceae (9.5 %), Poaceae (7.9 %), Chenopodiaceae (7.6 %), Caryophyllaceae (5.9 %) and Lamiaceae (5.9 %). Therophytes and hemicryptophytes each one with 209 species (36 %) are the most frequent life forms of the Refuge. The distributions of 449 species (77.4 %) are restricted to Irano-Turanian region.

In a taxonomic study on form-species of form-genus Cytospora, about 400 fungal specimens were collected from all over the Iran during 2003-2005. In this paper, the second part of the obtained results, including seven form-species are presented. Cytospora intermedia, C. kantschavelii, C. leucosperma and C. ribis are reported as new members for mycoflora of Iran. Salix aegyptiaca for C. aurora and Pistacia khinjuk for C. terebinthi are reported as new hosts (matrix nova) in the world. Also, previously reported form-species C. sacchari is redescribed in detail.

Mutual relationship between pasture grasses and Neotyphodium fungal endophytes is of great importance in grass improvement. Two endophyte containing tall fescue genotypes (75 and 83) and their endophyte free ramets were used in this study. Endophytes were isolated from tall fescue genotypes 75 and 83 and used in three methods of inoculation including Latch and Christensen approach, insertion of mycelium into the seeds, and Johonson-Cicales approach. Endophytes were detected in new host using microscopic examination of stained tissues, AFLP marker and Koch’s postulates. Results showed that Latch and Christensen approach was the only successful technique by which cross inoculation in the two tall fescue genotypes was feasible. Success in inoculation seems to be highly dependent on splitting procedure and seedlings age. Detection methods used to confirm the presence of inoculated endophyte in plants indicated that microscopic examination is highly accurate in detecting endophytes in new host. However AFLP marker was required to confirm isolate identity although it lacked detection in all infected plants examined microscopically. Koch’s postulates showed that endophytic fungi had no morphological alterations after being inoculated into new host.

To investigate responses of Glycyrrhiza glabra var. glabra and G. glabra var. glandulifera to molybdenum and salicylic acid, we measured four stress biochemical parameters: anthocyanin, nitric acid, glycyrrhizic acid and peroxidase activity in callus tissues. Callus tissues obtained from seedlings root cultures were treated by 60 mg. l-1 molybdenum and 5 mM salicylic acid alone or together for two weeks. Anthocyanin content enhanced in all treatments in glabra but it decreased in glandulifera. Molybdenum and salicylic acid had enhanced the level of nitric oxide production in both varieties. Peroxidase activity and glycyrrhizic acid were only affected by salicylic acid. An enhancement in glycyrrhizic acid level observed in treatments containing salicylic acid. The effects of salicylic acid on peroxidase activity were particularly interesting as they were completely opposite between two cases of varieties: enhanced effect for glabra and inhibitory effect for glandulifera. Significant differences in monitored parameters between two varieties and different responses to new conditions may confer to these varieties specific tolerance defence mechanism.

During a study several species of mitosporic fungi which have been collected from Guilan Province were examined and seven species viz.: Hansfordia pulvinata, Myriellina cydoniae, Phloeospora cf. ulmi, Questieriella sp., Sarcinella questieri, Septoria cf. castaneicola and Sirosporium mori were found to be new records for Iran mycoflora. Moreover, Sirosporium celtidis is described and illustrated for the first time from Guilan Province.

Many polymorphisms exist in field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.) populations. These differences that appear especially in their flower and leaf cause to different biotypes of this weed that are different in view of dry weight, rate- and flowering period. This research was accomplished during 2005 to 2006 at Weed Research Department, Iranian Plant Protection Research Institute for identification of morphological and physiological variations of field bindweed population and introduction of these weed biotypes in Varamin. The analysis of the character was done by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA) based upon 43 morphological and physiological variables. The most important variable was Leaf Dry Weight. Results of this experience showed 15 biotypes in Varamin. The variability in morphological and physiological of these field bindweed biotypes may explain their different adaptability as the environmental conditions and different management practices change.

Barley fields and storages in Golestan Province (northeastern Iran in southern bank of the Caspian Sea), surveyed in 2005 and 40 grain samples were randomly collected for identification of fungi associated with them. Fungi were isolated from these samples by agar plating, deep freezing blotter and seed washing methods. Some 600 fungal isolates were obtained, among which 30 species belonging to 17 genera were identified. Predominant species belonged to genera Alternaria, Aspergillus and Fusarium. Six species are new records to the mycoflora of Iran as follows: Acremaniella verrocusa, Emericella variecolor, Chaetomium nigricolor, Cladosporium spongiosum, Gilmaniella humicola and Papulaspora pannosa.

During 2004-2007 many isolates of a fungus were obtained from leaves, buds, shoots and stems of Amygdalus communis (in Sirjan and Negar areas), Pistacia vera (in Sirjan, Negar and Bardsir regions), Malus domestica and Pyrus communis (in Lalehzar, Bardsir and Golzar areas), Punica granatum (in Chatrood and Hootk regions), Salix sp. and Vitis vinifera (in Chatrood and Mahan areas), and Rosa damascena (in Lalehzar and Golzar regions). Colonies on PDA were cream to pale green and later become partly pale grayish. Acervulus subepidermal to 200 mm in diameter, conidiophores unbranched, 10-20 mm long, producing conidia from annelids. Conidia fusiform, with 3-septa, 16-21(18) mm long and 6-7(6.5) mm wide. The apical cell is short-conic with an unbranched hyaline appendage 9-18(14.5) mm long. The basal cell is truncate with an unbranched hyaline appendage 7-16(12.3) mm long.

In the framework of study of macrofungi flora of South of Nowshahr (N. Iran), one specimen of coral fungi was collected. The characteristic features of this specimen were as follows:Fruit body 80-220 mm high, 60-200 mm broad, coralloid, white at first becoming tan or ochraceous with pink, red or purplish tips, fruit body with numerous, thick and dense branches arising from the stipe. Stipe 30-40 ´ 20-60 mm, compact, tapering downward; white to yellowish with age; not bruising or discoloring. Context white, brittle, odor and taste mild, fruity. Spores ochraceous, irregularly roughened, 9-12 ´ 4.5-5 mm (Fig. 2). The above-mentioned specimen was identified as Ramaria botrytoides (Peck) Corner (CORNER, E.J.H. 1950. A monograph of Clavaria and allied genera) which is a new record for Iran.

During 2006-2007, many surveys are done from rapeseed fields in Mazandaran and Golestan Provinces (N. Iran) and the sexual form of Blackleg fungus as Leptosphaeria maculans (Desmaz.) Ces. & De Not. [Anamorph=Phoma lingam (Tode: Fr.) Desmaz.] was diagnosed on rapeseed debris both winter (R & C variety) and spring (HYOLA 401 hybrid and PF variety) type oilseed rape among OCT-NOV months. Ascocarps were globose, black, 300-500 mm diameter (Fig. 3 B) and observed on stem branches (Fig. 3 A). Asci were 80-120 ´ 15-22 mm, cylindrical to clavate, bitunicate wall and with eight spores.

In a survey in June 2007, an epizootic was observed in a crane fly (Tipula sp.) population in an area between Galugah to Bishehband in Mazandaran Province of Iran. Infected insects were fixed to support by stout monohyphal rhizoids emerging from thorax and abdomen, ending with disk-like holdfast. Hyphal bodies sub-sphaerical or composed of simple, rounded structures, sometimes thick, short, hyphae-like. Nuclei staining distinctly in LPAO (Lacto Phenol Aceto Orcein) measuring 3.8-6.6 ´ 3.0-2.4 mm. Nuclei sometimes dividing. Conidiophores unbranched, terminally enlarged with a diameter of 12.5-17.5 μm, penetrating the cuticle of their host at inter-segmental membranes and pleura to form white to grayish mycelial bands.

Carex L. with more than 50 species is the largest genus of Cyperaceae family in Iran. In review of Herbaria specimens belonging to the genus, one specimen was seen which identified under C. decaulescens V. Krecz. subsp. decaulescens. Description of the specimen is: Plant perennial, to 60 cm, caespitose. Rhizome short, covered with grayish scales. Stem erect or ascending, sharply trigonous, winged and sides concave above. Leaves to 1/2 of stem length, erect; sheaths to 20 cm long, grey-brown, strongly nerved, finally fibrous, margin of scarious side depressed; ligule 0.7 mm long, with arch as high as wide; blades width 2-3 mm, flat, keeled, revolute margins, at both sides papillose.

An isolate of Humicola grisea was collected and identified according to BARRON, G.L. (1968, The Genera of Hyphomycetes from Soil. The Williams & Wilkins Company, USA), DOMSCH, K.H., GAMS, W. & ANDERSON, T.-H. (2007, Compendium of Soil Fungi, 2nd ed., IHW-Verlag, Eching, Germany). Colony on MEA attained a diameter of 35 mm after 10 days at 24oC. It was dark olivaceous in centre and lighter towards the margin. Aleurioconidia were darkbrown measuring 12.5-15.5 mm. An isolate of this fungus was obtained from Heterodera schachtii from Mashhad in 2004 and preserved in the culture collection of the Ministry of Jihad-e-Agriculture at the first author's address under IRAN 817 C. Other isolates were collected from rhizosphere and in association with this nematode and also Meloidogyne javanica from Fars Province in 2006.

A fungal isolate was collected from a fallen trunk covered with green mould in Shastkola forest (Gorgan, Golestan Province) on 29 Oct. 2006. Based on its morphology and according to DOMSCH, K.H., GAMS, W. & ANDERSON, T.-H. 2007. Compendium of Soil Fungi (2nd ed.) IHW-Verlag, Eching, Germany, and SAMSON, R.A. & Frisvad, J.C. 2004. Penicillium subgenus Penicillium: new taxonomic schemes, mycotoxins and other extrolites. Stud. Mycol. 49: 1-174, it was identified as Penicillium vulpinum (Cooke & Massee) Seifert & Samson which is preserved in the culture collection of the Iranian Ministry of Jihad-e-Agriculture at the author's address under IRAN 1248F.