Molecular phylogeny of the Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC) isolated from soils in Iran

Abstract

Members of Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC) are frequently isolated from soils, food, feeds, trees, and to some extent from humans and other animals. The taxonomic status of these fungi is being revised but no attempt has been made to identify those isolated in Iran, a mountainous country with a high biodiversity. The objective of the present research was to study the phylogenetic diversity of FSSC strains recovered from soils in Iran by analyzing morphological characteristics and DNA sequences. A total of 65 strains belonging to the FSSC were recovered from agricultural soils in western Iran. Based on differences in their morphological characters, 25 strains were selected for phylogenetic analysis employing translation elongation factor-1α (tef1) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region sequences. Comparisons of DNA sequence data revealed that all isolates belonged to Fusarium falciforme, Fusarium keratoplasticum, Fusarium petroliphilum, the unnamed species FSSC 5, and unknown species of Fusarium, which represents a new lineage within members of Clade 3. Based on morphological features and phylogenetic study, F. keratoplasticum and F. petroliphilum were reported for the first time in Iran.