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<p>The Zagros Mountains Forest Steppe in Iran, dominated by <i>Quercus brantii</i> (Persian oak), faces increasing threats from fungal pathogens contributing to oak decline. This study identified and characterized two novel fungal species, <i>Epicoccum iranicum</i> and <i>E. quercus</i>, isolated from symptomatic oak fruits in Khuzestan Province, Iran. Using a polyphasic approach integrating morphological traits and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses (ITS, LSU, <i>TUB2</i>, and <i>RPB2</i>), these species were distinguished from previously known species of <i>Epicoccum</i>. <i>Epicoccum iranicum</i> exhibited larger conidia and pycnidia compared to the relatives, including <i>E. huancayense</i> and <i>E. proteae</i>. Phylogenetic analyses (ML/MP/BI) strongly supported their delineation as distinct species. The results of this study underscore the importance of molecular phylogeny in resolving taxonomically complex fungi and contribute to understanding oak-associated mycobiota in a region experiencing ecological stress.</p>

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New species of Epicoccum from Quercus brantii in Iran

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月21日

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  • Payam Eisvand,
  • Mehdi Mehrabi-Koushki,
  • Seyede Akram Ahmadpour

摘要

The Zagros Mountains Forest Steppe in Iran, dominated by Quercus brantii (Persian oak), faces increasing threats from fungal pathogens contributing to oak decline. This study identified and characterized two novel fungal species, Epicoccum iranicum and E. quercus, isolated from symptomatic oak fruits in Khuzestan Province, Iran. Using a polyphasic approach integrating morphological traits and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses (ITS, LSU, TUB2, and RPB2), these species were distinguished from previously known species of Epicoccum. Epicoccum iranicum exhibited larger conidia and pycnidia compared to the relatives, including E. huancayense and E. proteae. Phylogenetic analyses (ML/MP/BI) strongly supported their delineation as distinct species. The results of this study underscore the importance of molecular phylogeny in resolving taxonomically complex fungi and contribute to understanding oak-associated mycobiota in a region experiencing ecological stress.