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The squash beetle Epilachna chrysomelina (F.) is an important insect pest which causes severe damage to cucurbit plants in Iraq. The aims of this study were to isolate and characterize an endogenous isolate of Myrothecium-like species from cucurbit plants and from soil in order to evaluate its pathogenicity to squash beetle. Paramyrothecium roridum (Tode) L. Lombard & Crous was isolated, its phenotypic characteristics were identified and ITS rDNA sequence analysis was done. The pathogenicity of P. roridum strain (MT019839) was evaluated at a concentration of 107 conidia · ml–1) water against larvae and adults of E. chrysomelina under laboratory conditions. The results revealed the pathogenicity of the isolate to larvae with variations between larvae instar responses. The highest mortality percentage was reported when the adults were placed in treated litter and it differed significantly from adults treated directly with the pathogen. Our results documented for the first time that P. roridum has potential as an insect pathogen.

One hundred samples of carpet dusts (50 samples from residential houses and 50 samples from mosques) were surveyed for the presence of the potentially pathogenic fungi Microascus/Scopulariopsis species complex (Microascales:Ascomycota). The samples were collected from different sites in Duhok province,Kurdistan region,Iraq, during September, 2014 to May, 2015. Four species of Microascus (M.brunneosporus, M.cirrosus, M.pyramidus and M.paisii) and three species of Scopulariopsis (S.asperula, S.brevccaulis and S.flava) were identified. Acaulium acremonium (=Scopulariopsis acremonium) was also detected. The diagnostic features of the reported species based on micro-morphological features of their reproductive structures were provided. M.brunneosporus represents a new record for the Iraqi mycobiota. The identified species were reported in several publications as potentially pathogenic to human.

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail plate of fingernails or toenails that is caused by dermatophytes, non-dermatophyte filamentous fungi or yeasts. An opportunistic pathogenic fungus was isolated from toenail of a 38-year-old female with newly diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) which appeared to belong to the genus Fusarium. Identification of aetiologic agent was performed by morphological and cultural characteristics and was confirmed by sequencing of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region of rDNA. The isolated Fusarium oxysporum in this paper is the first case of its kind to be sequenced and reported by molecular method in Iraq.

Laboratory and field bioassays were conducted to evaluate the pathogenicity of an endophytic and a soil isolate of the entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. against different stages of squash beetle, Epilachna chrysomelina (F.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Both isolates were identified by ITS rDNA sequence analysis. Both isolates were pathogenic to the squash beetle; however, their potential was different according to the conidia concentration and the exposure period. Three days post treatment, (100%) mortality rate was obtained, when the first and second larval instars were treated by the B. bassiana ES (soil isolate) compared to 83.67 and 72.60%, respectively when treated with the endophytic isolate. A percentage of 17.67% malformation occurred among the adults that emerged from treated pupae. The highest mortality percentage under field conditions were 28.67 and 22.33% for larvae and adults, respectively.

This study was carried out to test in vitro the efficiency of Clonostachys rosea and Trichoderma harzianum as bicontrol agents against fungi isolated from declining grapevine trees in Iraq. In vitro assays showed a good antagonistic activity of C. rosea against the colony growth of Phaeoacremonium aleophilum and Cylindrocarpon destructans; the values of x coefficient were 0.90 of each with significance differences comparing with antagonism behavior against B. parva (x=1.43). T.harzianum showed highly response against the growth of all tested fungi with x coefficient ranged between 0.50 - 0.65; which was higher than that of C.rosea. The test revealed significant growth inhibition of C.rosea against P.aleophilum, which were 46.60%, 55.17%, 74.33% in the concentrations 5%, 10%, and 15% respectively. No inhibition appeared in the growth of both Botryosphaeria parva and Macrophomina phaseolina .The filtrate of T. harzianum decreased the growth of P. aleophilum to 19% and 19.83% with the filtrate concentrations 10% and 15% respectively. B.parvawas also affected by the concentration 10% and 15% of T harzianum, the inhibition reached to 12.66% and 12.82% respectively. The inhibition in the growth of M. phaseolina ranged between 20 – 28%, but in the C. destrcuctans have recorded the lowest inhibition percentages in the concentration 5% (5.25%) and 10% (6.91%).

We report a rare case of non-dermatophytic onychomycosis of the big toenail caused by Auxarthron alboluteum in a 63-years old Iraqi female with a history of diabetes. The big toenail showed distal subungual onychomycosis with extensive yellow-white discoloration. Identification of the causative agent was confirmed by morphological and microscopical characteristics in culture and analysis of ITS-rDNA region. To the best of our knowledge, the isolated Auxarthron alboluteum reported here is a new etiologic species of nail infection in Iraq and this is the first case of its kind to be reported in the world. Keywords: Auxarthron alboluteum, Onychomycosis, Toenail infection, ITS region, Kurdistan region, Iraq

Background: Candida species are part of the body normal flora. Under certain conditions, these opportunistic microorganisms may lead to infection. The purpose of this study was to identify Candida species isolated from sputum from patients suffering from respiratory tract disorders. Methods: A total of 59 sputum samples taken from patients attending Azadi hospital at Duhok province, Kurdistan Region/Iraq. For primary isolation, sputum samples were cultured on sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA). Suspected colonies of Candida isolates were then sub cultured on chromogenic Candida agar for presumptive identification. Genomic DNA extraction was performed using a genomic DNA extraction kit. For rapid identification of Candida spp, specific primers based on the genomic sequence of DNA topoisomerase 11 of C. albicans, C. parapsilosis I, C. parapsilosis II, C. guilliermondi, C. dubliniensis, C. krusei, C. kefyr and C. glabrata, C. tropicalis I, C. tropicalis II, C. lusitaniae were used. The Multiplex PCR products were separated by electrophoresis in 1.5% agarose gel, visualized by staining with ethidium bromide, and photographed. Results: Three Candida species namely C. albicans, C. glabrata and C. tropicalis were differentiated by their colour produced on Chromogenic Candida agar. PCR with the primer mixes yielded 4 different sized of PCR products corresponding to C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. Keyfer and C. tropicalis II, C. glabrata was the most common species (33.33%), followed by C. albicans (16.66%). The highest rate of isolation of Candida species was between the ages of 36 to 45. Conclusion: This study concluded that phenotypic characteristics on selective agar medium such as chromogenic Candida agar are useful for presumptive identification of Candiada spp with the support of molecular method such as multiplex PCR.

Fungal species associated with three (Vitis vinifera L.)cultivars exhibited decline grown in the main grapevine production area in Salahaldin province, middle Iraq were surveyed during 2012 – 2013. Based on microscopical and cultural characteristics, a total of 24 species in addition to non-sporulating mycelia were identified. The most frequently isolated fungi from shoots were Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium cladosporoides, Cadophora spp., Clonostachys rosea, Penicillium spp. Phaeoacremonium sp. I, Neocytalidium dimidiatum and Stachybotrys atra, whereas, Fusarium spp., Acremonium sp., Cylindrocladiella viticola, Cylindrocarpon spp., and Phaeoacremonium sp. 2, were the most frequently isolated fungi from roots. C. viticola is recorded for the first time from Iraq.

Thirtysamples from each of four dried fruits (apricot,fig,plum and raisins) collectedfrom local shops at Duhok governorate were surveyed for their contaminationwith fungi. Thirty eight fungalspecies belonged to 13 genera in addition to yeasts were isolated andidentified. The highest diversity of fungi were detected from raisins (35species), followed by 27 species isolated from plum, 26 species from figs and18 species on apricot. Eleven species were found common on the four types ofdried fruits. These include Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus carbonarius,A. flavus, A.fumigatus, A.niger,A.parasiticus, Penicillium citrinum, P.expansum,Cladosporium cladosporoides, Emericella nidulans and Eurotium amstelodami.Aflatoxigenic potentials of selected isolates of Aspergillussection Flavi and ochratoxigenic potential of selected isolates from Aspergillussection Nigri were detected by ELISA technique. Aflatoxin was found atlevels from 79.4 to 356ppb whereas, ochratoxin A at levels from 60-106ppb.

Background: Candida species are the second most common cause of vulvovaginitis worldwide. The purpose of this study was to identify the species of vaginal Candida isolates by using phenotypic and Multiplex PCR techniques. Methods: 91 isolates from patients admitted to Azadi hospital and Maternity hospital in Duhok city were collected. The vaginal swab specimens were inoculated on Sabouraud dextrose agar. Colonies were then sub cultured on Chromogenic Candida agar. Genomic DNA extraction was performed using a Genomic DNA Extraction kit. For rapid identification of Candida spp., specific primers based on the genomic sequence of DNA topoisomerase 11 of C . albicans , C. parapsilosis I , C. parapsilosis II , C. guilliermondi , C. dubliniensis, C. krusei , C. kefyr and C. glabrata , C. tropicalis I , C. tropicalis II , C. lusitaniae were used. The multiplex PCR products were separated by electrophoresis in 1.5% agarose gel, visualized by staining with ethidium bromide, and photographed. Results: 4 Candida species, namely C . albicans , C. glabrata , C. krusei and C. tropicalis were distinguished by Chromogenic Candida agar on the basis of colony colour and morphology. PCR with the primer mixes yielded 7 different sized of PCR products corresponding to C . albicans , C. guilliermondii , C. dubliniensis , C. glabrata , C. kefyr , C. krusei and C. tropicalis II. The analysis revealed C. glabrata and C. albicans were the most common species isolated with the percentage 40% and 30% respectively. Conclusions: This study concluded that phenotypic characteristics on selective agar medium such as chromogenic candida agar are useful for presumptive identification of Candiada spp. with the support of molecular method such as multiplex PCR.

The present study recorded eight fungal species on wheat grains for the first time in Iraq. These included Arthrinium phaeospermum, Bipolaris sorokiniana, B.spicifera, Chaetomium elatum, Emericella rugulosa, Eurotium herbariorum Nigrospora state of Khuskia oryzae and Ulocladium alternariae. Brief descriptions with photographs are provided for the newly recorded species.

The soil microfungi inhabiting pine (Pinus brutia Tern.) forests in Atrush and Zawita, Duhok governorate(Kurdistan region),Iraq were examined by using five isolation methods with the objective to compare the diversity of soil microfungi at O1 and O2 soil horizon layers from both sites. A total of 26 genera and 51 species of soil fungi as well as yeasts and non- sporulating mycelia were isolated from the two sites. Aspergillus was represented by 17 species and thus showed the widest diversity among all recovered genera. A.niger and A.fumigatus were the most frequent species among the genus. Black aspergilli were the most common species among the genus. They were represented by five species viz A.awamori, A.foetidus, A niger, A. sclerotioniger and A.vadianes. Penicillium was the second in the number of species isolated and was represented by 6 species. These include P. cammeberti, P. citrinum, P. coryophilum, P. digitatum , p. glabrum and P. roquefotri.. Two species were identified in each of the genera Absidia, Cladosporium, Emericella, Mucor and Paecilomyces. The rest genera that included Alternaria, Cunnighamella, Chaetomium, Corynascus, Eupenicillium, Fusarium, Gymnoascus, Melanocarpus, Monilia, Pestatiolopsis, Phaeoacremonium , Phialophora, Rhizopus, Sordaria, Stachybotrys, Scytalidium, Thermomyces, Trichoderma and Ulocladium were each represented by one species. The highest similarity index for fungal community inhabiting soil at both sites was found in soil at O1 layer (Atrush) and O2 layer (zawita).The least (SI) was recorded between O1 layer (Zawita) and O2 layer (Atrush). Absidia spinosa, and Mucor plumbeus are newly recorded from Iraq; hence they represent new additions to the Iraqi mycobiota.

A survey was carried out in five locations representing the main grapevine production areas of Duhok governorate-Iraq during 2008-2009 in four seasons, winter (Dec.Feb.), spring (Mar.May.), summer (Jun. – Aug.), and fall (Sept. – Nov.) Decline symptoms on grapevines included plants that failed to thrive normal, with reducing shoot growth and chlorotic interveinal areas that later became necrotic. In a cross section of grapevine arms, the internal wood tissues were frequently dark brown to black with a wedge-shaped necrotic sector. Severe symptoms were noted during spring to summer almost in all locations. Canes (bark and wood), buds, trunks or arms (bark and wood), and roots were sampled for fungal isolation. Fungal pathogens belonging to 18 genera were isolated from green growth and roots of the grapevine samples during the four seasons. Cylindrocarpon destructans, Neofusicoccum parvum, and Tognignia minima were the main trunk pathogens found in all grape-growing regions. These three species were reported for the first time in Iraq. N. parvum was isolated with a high frequency (98-100%) from wood of arms and canes in Bajelor and Badi locations during summer and fall. T. minima was found commonly in Zawita by 37-75% of isolation in the wood of arms and canes during fall. C. destructans was the most dominant root rot fungus and was frequently isolated from almost all locations particularly in Badi (41-75% of isolation).

were detected in various frequencies of occurrence. Our findings are compared with those from a simi-lar survey of soil from date palm plantations in Iraq. Our study indicates that there is no characteristicmycobiota for soil in date palm plantations except for the more frequent isolation of some species wellknown as pathogens on date palm.

Surveys (in 2002 and 2003) were performed for fungal endophytes in roots of 24 plant species growing at 12 sites (coastal and inland soils, both sandy soils and salt marshes) under either water or salt stress in the Alicante province (Southeast Spain). All plant species examined were colonized by endophytic fungi. A total of 1830 fungal isolates were obtained and identified by morphological and molecular [internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and translation elongation factor-1α gene region (TEF-1α) sequencing] techniques. One hundred and forty-two fungal species were identified, belonging to 57 genera. Sterile mycelia were assigned to 177 morphospecies. Fusarium and Phoma species were the most frequent genera, followed by Aspergillus, Alternaria and Acremonium. Fungal root endophytic communities were influenced by the soil type where their respective host plants grew, but not by location (coastal or inland sites). Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus fumigatus and Alternaria chlamydospora contributed most to the differences found between endophytic communities from sandy and saline soils. Host preference was found for three Fusarium species studied. Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium solani were especially isolated from plants of the family Leguminosae, while Fusarium equiseti showed a preference for Lygeum spartum (Gramineae). In some cases, specificity could be related to intra-specific variability as shown by sequencing of the TEF-1α in the genus Fusarium.

Fungal inflorescence rot of date palms, caused by Mauginiella scaettae, was detected at all four sites surveyed in Elx, SE Spain. There was a higher incidence of the disease in male than in female inflorescences. The pathogen responsible for the disease was isolated and identified as M. scaettae. Sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of this fungus demonstrated that it is close to Phaeosphaeria.

Janetia obovata and Stachybotryna excentrica, two new hyphomycetes from submerged litter collected in different Mediterranean localities in Spain, are described and illustrated. Janetia obovata possesses denticulate and dark pigmented conidiogenous cells characteristic of the genus, but is mainly distinctive in producing obovoid and unevenly pigmented conidia. Stachybotryna excentrica is hyaline and produces setae as do all members of the genus, but is distinctive by its small conidia that are cylindrical or ellipsoidal in front view and slightly allantoid in side view with a protuberant eccentric scar, and its long subcylindrical setae. A key to Stachybotryna species is provided.

A new aeroaquatic helicosporous hyphomycete, Helicoon maioricensis, from submerged decaying leaves in a small oligotrophic pond in an evergreen oak woodland in Mallorca, Spain is described and illu...

Preussia aquilirostrata is newly described from submerged plant debris in Iraq. A key to the identification of Preussia species with hairy ascomata is provided. Since Sporormiella is regarded as a synonym of Preussia , the new combinations Preussia lasiocarpa, P. pilosa, P. pilosella and P. chaetomioides are proposed.

Monascus pallens sp. nov. and M. sanguineus sp. nov. are newly recognized species isolated from surface sediments of the Shatt-al-Arab river and its creeks near Basrah City, Iraq. Descriptions are provided, growth on denned media is measured and enzyme activities are investigated. A key to species is given.

A new aero-aquatic helicosporous hyphomycete, Helicodendron microsporum, is described and illustrated from decaying leaves submerged in a small artificial pond surrounded by Quercus ilex and Pinus halepensis in Mallorca, Spain. It is characterized by branched conidiophores with chains of hyaline conidia eventually forming white clusters which do not break up even at maturity. It also has small conidia (8–10 μm diam.) consisting of a 2–2.5 μm thick filament which coils 1.5–2 times counter-clockwise. The main characters of the species are compared with 14 similar hyalosporous Helicodendron species.

The present study reports the frequent isolation of the two date palm pathogens Thielaviopsis paradoxa (de Seynes) Hohn and T. punctulata (Hennebert) Paulin, Harrington et McNew from soil of date palm plantations at Elx, south-east Spain, using dilu- tion plate, direct soil plating or by soil treatment either with acetic acid or phenol. The two species showed a high isolation rate. T. punctulata detected from all samples (100% isolation rate), whereas, T. paradoxa showed 52% isolation rate.Total fungal colony count, ranged from 1.1x10 5 -6 x10 5 , CFU/g dry soil. Out of these, T. punculata comprised between 0.2-3.2% and T. paradoxa, between 0.5-4.4%. Both species were characterized by development of thick-walled aleuroconidia either singly (T. punctulata) or in chains (T. paradoxa) in addition to the phialoconidia. The widespread occurrence of the two pathogens in soil may contribute to the possibility of infection of newly transplanted offshoots of date palms.

Surveys (in 2002 and 2003) were performed for fungal endophytes in roots of 24 plant species growing at 12 sites (coastal and inland soils, both sandy soils and salt marshes) under either water or salt stress in the Alicante province (Southeast Spain). All plant species examined were colonized by endophytic fungi. A total of 1830 fungal isolates were obtained and identified by morphological and molecular [internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and translation elongation factor-1alpha gene region (TEF-1alpha) sequencing] techniques. One hundred and forty-two fungal species were identified, belonging to 57 genera. Sterile mycelia were assigned to 177 morphospecies. Fusarium and Phoma species were the most frequent genera, followed by Aspergillus, Alternaria and Acremonium. Fungal root endophytic communities were influenced by the soil type where their respective host plants grew, but not by location (coastal or inland sites). Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus fumigatus and Alternaria chlamydospora contributed most to the differences found between endophytic communities from sandy and saline soils. Host preference was found for three Fusarium species studied. Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium solani were especially isolated from plants of the family Leguminosae, while Fusarium equiseti showed a preference for Lygeum spartum (Gramineae). In some cases, specificity could be related to intra-specific variability as shown by sequencing of the TEF-1alpha in the genus Fusarium.

A new species ofConiochaetidium isolated from soil of Iraq is described. The speciesC. nuciforme differs fromC. savoryi in the shape and size of the ascospores. A key to differentiate the accepted species of the genus is reported.

Two new species of the aero-aquatic anamorph genus Pseudaegerita, P. conifera sp. nov. and P. websteri sp. nov. are described and illustrated. Both species were found on submerged plant material in Spain. The new species are compared morphologically with the seven species now accepted in the genus.

The new species Exserohilum curvisporum , isolated from surface sediments consisting of a mixture of decomposed leaf fragments and sand of the Shatl-Al-Arab river in Basrah, Iraq is described and illustrated. It is distinguished from other Exserohilum species by its mostly strongly curved conidia often with a granular surface.

Two new species of Ascomycetes from Iraq are described and illustrated. Corynascella arabica sp. nov., isolated from donkey dung, is the only species of the genus with a cephalothecoid peridium and as- cospores with two terminal, eccentric germ pores; Zopfiella submersa sp. nov., isolated from submerged plant debris, differs from the other species of the ge- nus mainly by having slightly inaequilateral asco- spores with a subapical germ pore and an umbonate apex.

Three species of the aero-aquatic fungus genus Pseudaegerita are described. One is the anamorph of Hyaloscypha lignicola sp.nov.

Helicodendron cumbriense and H. multiseptatum spp. nov. are described and illustrated from submerged oak and beech leaves respectively.

A monograph is provided of the anamorph genus Helicodendron , with keys to and illustrations of all described species.

Strattonia karachiensis and Zopfiella latipes are newly reported from Iraq, and S. mesopotamica sp.nov. is described and illustrated from dung.

A monograph is provided of the anamorph genus Helicoon , with keys to and illustrations of all described species.

The aero-aquatic fungal flora of two static water habitats in Devon was surveyed by incubating naturally occurring detritus and artificially introduced baits in moist chambers. The species composition was found to differ in some respects at the two sites.

The teleomorphs of Tricladium splendens, Articulospora tetracladia and Dimorphospora foliicola are described and illustrated. They are respectively Hymenoscyphus splendens n.sp., Hymenoscyphus tetracladius n.sp. and Hymenoscyphus foliicola n.sp.

Nineteen species of aquatic and areo-aquatic conidial fungi were tested for their ability to produce extracellular enzymes which degrade cellulose, starch, lipids, proteins and tannic acid. The cellulolytic activity was determined by using both solid and liquid media. The activity of other enzymes was examined using solid media. Two-thirds of the species were able to hydrolyze soluble cellulose (CMC) incorporated in solid and liquid media with varying degrees of activity. Extracellular culture filtrates ofAegerita candida, Helicodendron giganteum andH. tubulosum contained a Cl-Cx enzyme complex that could degrade both soluble cellulose (CMC) and crystalline cellulose (filter paper). Lipase activity was demonstrated by 11 species. Fourteen of the species showed activity for amylase and protease, but only 11 of the 16 were capable of degrading tannic acid.