Molecular and morphological characterization of Hortaea werneckii, an endophytic fungus on mangrove trees (Avicennia marina) in Iran

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

2 Department of Forestry and Forest Economy, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Mangrove forests are resilient ecosystems inhabiting tropical coastlines and provide a habitat for species such as Avicennia marina, which exhibits notable tolerance to environmental stresses. These mangrove-associated habitats support the production of bioactive metabolites and host diverse endophytic fungi, highlighting their potential applications in agriculture and pharmaceutical development. Endophytic fungi are potent biological agents capable of suppressing plant pathogens, synthesizing medically relevant metabolites, degrading environmental pollutants, thereby contributing substantially to sustainable agriculture and environmental health. The present study aimed to isolate and characterize endophytic fungal species associated with mangrove trees in Qeshm region of Hormozgan Province, Iran. Root, stem, and leaf tissues were surface-sterilized in 70 % ethanol for 30 seconds (leaves) or 1 minute (roots and stems), followed by diluted 2% sodium hypochlorite solution for 1.5 minutes (leaves) or 3 minutes (roots and stems), and finally rinsed three times with sterile distilled water. The disinfected tissues were cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and water agar (WA), and the emerging endophytic fungi were subsequently purified to obtain monoconidial isolates. Morphological identification was conducted using standard taxonomic references, while molecular characterization was based on sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA. Morphological and molecular characterization indicated that 9.8% of leaf isolates, 36.84% of stem isolates, and 7.14% of root isolates belong to the genus Hortaea, with phylogenetic analysis confirming these isolates as Hortaea werneckii. Based on current knowledge, H. werneckii represents a new record for mangrove forests in Iran Funga, with Avicennia marina serving as a plant host.

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References

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Mycologia Iranica

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 08 June 2026

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  • Receive Date: 01 April 2026
  • Revise Date: 31 May 2026
  • Accept Date: 31 May 2026
  • Publish Date: 08 June 2026

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