A TAXONOMIC STUDY ON ALTERNARIA SPECIES IN IRAN (2)

In the continuation of studies on Alternaria 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 Alternaria are introduced and described in the present investigation, five of which (A. chlamydospora, A. cinereariae, A. infectoria, A. mouchaccae and A. porri) are new to the mycoflora of Iran. Other two species, A. brassicae and A. japonicae, that have been reported from Iran previously, are described here with.