Affiliation:
1. Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Basrah, 61004, Basrah, IRAQ
Abstract
This study focused on isolating and identifying endophytic fungi from vegetable crops in Iraq. Samples from
seven vegetable plants, including Anethum graveolens, Apium graveolens, Capsicum annuum, Malva parviflora, Mentha piperita, Petroselinum sativum, Portulaca oleracea, were collected from five central regions in
Basrah, Iraq, (Abu Al-Khaseeb, Karmat Ali, AL-Zubair, Shatt Al-Arab and the Centre of Basrah). Samples,
including mature leaves, stems and roots of vegetable sources, were collected and treated in the laboratory.
Recovered endophytic fungi were purified and identified based on their macro and micromorphological features. Identification was validated by DNA sequencing and PCR amplification of ITS4 and ITS5 gene primers
and molecular analysis. Phylogenetic examination indicated that three novel endophytic fungal species are
documented in the Iraqi mycobiota for the first time, was isolated from vegetable plants in Basrah province
related to the family Plectosphaerellaceae, including Gibellulopsis serrae, Plectosphaerella niemeijerarum,
P. oratosquillae. Brief descriptions and photo panels are provided for the newly recorded species in this study.
These findings are essential to understanding the endophytic fungal community within vegetable parts that
can be used to manage and control plant disease and enhance productivity.
Keywords: Ascomycota, Bsarah, endophytic fungi, Iraq, Plectosphaerellaceae.