Identification of Canariomyces notabilis associated with Ficus carica branch bark discoloration

This study, reports the first isolation and characterization of Canariomyces notabilis from Iran, an emerging pathogenic fungus associated with bark discoloration of branches in fig trees (Ficus carica). Morphological, cultural, and molecular analyses were employed to identify isolates obtained from symptomatic bark. Phylogenetic analysis of tub۲ gene sequences using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods robustly placed the isolates within the C. notabilis clade, demonstrating a close relationship with the type strain. To establish pathogenicity, Koch’s postulates were fulfilled through controlled inoculation experiments. Inoculation of detached fig shoots with mycelial plugs consistently induced brown necrosis within eight days. Similarly, conidial suspensions applied to detached leaves resulted in necrotic and chlorotic lesions within one week. Inoculation of one-year-old fig saplings using conidial suspensions revealed the pathogen’s capability to cause external lesions and internal vascular discoloration, extending both proximally and distally from inoculation sites over three months. Successful re-isolation of the fungus from symptomatic tissues confirmed its etiological role. This research establishes C. notabilis as a new fungal species for the funga of Iran and identifies it as an emerging pathogen of fig trees, representing the first documented report of this species as a plant pathogen.

کلیدواژه ها:

β‑tubulin gene ، Chaetomiaceae ، emerging pathogen ، Molecular phylogenetics ، Moraceae