A TAXONOMIC STUDY ON ALTERNARIA SPECIES IN IRAN (2)

Abstract

In the continuation of studies on <em>Alternaria</em> species, some 500 isolates were obtained from seeds, soil and plant parts from various localities of Iran. Prior to morphological examination, pure cultures were obtained by single conidium and single chain methods. Descriptions for each taxon are based on cultures developed on potato carrot agar. Inoculated plates were incubated at 23-25°C under a cool-white fluorescent light/dark cycle of ca. 8/16 hrs. Microscopic examinations were carried out after 5-7 days. Conidiophores, conidia and sporulation patterns were studied and recorded. Seven species of <em>Alternaria </em>are introduced and described in the present investigation, five of which (<em>A. chlamydospora</em>,<em> A. cinereariae, A. infectoria, A. mouchaccae </em>and<em> A. porri</em>) are new to the mycoflora of Iran. Other two species, <em>A. brassicae</em> and <em>A. japonicae</em>, that have been reported from Iran previously, are described here with.