Endophytic fungi constitute a remar- kable multifarious group of microorganisms live within plants tissues without causing any obvious negative effect. Endophytic fungi have been found in every plant species examined to date. During an investigation on endophytic fungi, 123 fungal isolates were obtained from healthy twigs and leaves of cherry (Prunus avium) and sour cherry (P. cerasus) trees in Iran. The isolates identified based on sequence data of 18S rDNA (SSU) region, as well as morphological and cultural features. As a result, four species namely Coniothyrium olivaceum, Collophora paarla, Sarocladium strictum and Quambalaria cyanescens identified. All these identified species are new reports as endophytic fungi from P. cerasus and P. avium in the world. Among them, Collophora paarla and Quambalaria cyanescens are new taxa for the mycobiota of Iran.

The GF677 (Prunus amygdalus×Prunus persica) is a peach rootstock tolerant to Fe deficiency .Therefore, mass propagation of GF677 rootstock is recommended by bioreactor. On the other hand, plant micro-propagation using bioreactors can decrease the cost of production and makes it an economical method. In this research, the possibility of using bioreactor and optimization of the tissue culture procedure in GF677 rootstock micro-propagation was studied. In vitro stock plantlets from axillary buds and liquid modify MS basal medium supplemented with 1 mg/L BAP, 0.2 mg/L GA3, and 3% sucrose were used for inoculation and multiplication in the bioreactors. Periodical nutrition of the explants established for 10 minutes in each 24 hours. Bioreactor system was compared with routine in vitro procedure in tissue culture laboratory. Results showed that the bioreactor system multiplication rate, number of shoots, and biomass production was significantly different from routine in vitro culture. The total number of shoots in bioreactor was about 600 whit 7.43 cm length and was very more efficient than routine system (20 shoots whit 2.47 cm length per 300 ml jar).

The influence of different hormone concentrations and media on bud explants of wild cherry (Prunus avium) has been investigated. These experiments were carried out as a step toward clonal propagation of superior genotypes. Explants were taken from thee trees on the north forests of Iran and cultured on WPM.DKW.DKW and modified MS media. Winter was the most benefetial time for explanation of dormant buds. Application of %1.25 sodium hypoclorite solution for 20 minutes was the most effective way for the surface sterilization of the explants. The best results were obtained with DKW supplemented with 1 or 2 mg/lit BA during proliferation and half strength DKW supplemented with 1 or 2 mg/lit NAA during rooting. The maximum growth rate of the transferred plants in the field was during the honest months of the growing season. The transferred plants, which were exposed to the sun established better then those cultivated under the other trees.

Wild cherry (Prunus avium) is a native fast growing broadleaved tree in Hyrcanean forests producing valuable wood. Prunus seeds have long dormancy and there is variety of methods for breaking dormancy of its seed. This study was conducted in order to overcoming dormancy and germination ofPrunus seed. For this purpose, seeds were collected from Aliabad Katool region in forests of Golestsan province, north of Iran. The seeds with mosocarp, without mesocarp and without endocarp were subjected to warm stratification (4 weeks, 20oC) followed by cold stratification (10 weeks, 5oC). Results showed that mesocarp and endocarp had significant effects on overcoming seed dormancy and germination characteristics. Germination percent, germination speed and germination value in seeds stratified without endocarp were greater than those in seeds stratified with mesocarp and without mesocarp. The results revealed that the seeds without endocarp were the most favorable treatment to break dormancy and to improve germination characteristics inPrunus avium seeds.

Iran ranks the third one in the world for the production of almond and over 30 Amygdalus (Prunus) species, subspecies or ecotypes have been identified in the country. Among the wild almond species, P. scoparia is used as the rootstock for almond in southwest of Iran. This species provides a gene pool of valuable characteristics for breeding and improvement of the cultivated almond. The present study considers genetic diversity analysis of three P. scoparia populations by using ISSR markers. We tried to show genetic divergence versus admixture of these populations. ISSR loci showed 50% polymorphism among 38 wild almond trees studied. The highest values for the genetic diversity, shannon index and the percentage of polymorphism were observed in Deihook (Yazd) population. In cluster analysis, Deihook population stands much separated from the other two populations while, Rashm-Moalem (Semnan) and Fasa (Fars) populations showed a higher genetic exchange among their trees. AMOVA test showed great genetic differences among the studied populations. The Mantel test did not show an association between the genetic and geographic distances of the studied populations. This is possibly due to gene exchange among these populations which was also shown by reticulation and STRUCTURE analyses.