Work

Morphological and molecular identification of endophytic Alternaria species associated with two Quercus species from a mountainous area of Iraq

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The diverse genus Alternaria encompasses fungi with various lifestyles, including pathogenic, saprophytic, and endophytic species. Inspection of the endophytes of two oak plant species (Quercus aegilops and Q. infectoria) from the mountainous area of Duhok province of the Kurdistan region of Iraq resulted in the isolation of seven Alternaria species. These include A. alternata, A. angustiovoidea, A. consortiales, A. doliconidium, A. malorun, A. sorghi, and A. tenuissima. Of these, A. angustiovoidea, A. doliconidium, A. malorun, and A. sorghi were recorded for the first time in Iraq. The seven Alternaria species were also reported for the first time as endophytes on the two Quercus species. The identification of these strains was based on DNA sequencing information utilizing the ITS and LSU genetic markers and morphological characteristics, including details of colony growth, conidial characteristics, and reproductive structures. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis was conducted to establish the evolutionary relationships among these Alternaria isolates. This investigation gives a basis for the understanding of the distribution of endophytic fungi associated with forest trees in the country.

Source: Acta Agrobotanica

DOI: 10.5586/aa/190222

Authors: Samir Khalaf Abdullah, Nagham Mohammed Azzo

Institution: University of Zakho

Language: English

Topic: Plant Pathogens and Fungal Diseases

Subfield: Cell Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $431

OpenAlex ID: W4402539241