Iranian Species Research Articles

WING POLYMORPHISM OF RHIPIDOTHRIPS BRUNNEUS WILLIAMS, 1913 (THYSANOPTERA: AEOLOTHRIPIDAE

One of the small genera of the family Aeolothripidae (Thysanoptera: Terebrantia) Rhipidothrips Uzel includes 6 species. Up to now, 4 species of this genus have been recorded in Iran. The wingless morph of R. brunneus Williams is described for the first time based on specimens collected from pasture plants in Javanrud County, Kermanshah Province (western Iran). A key to Iranian species of Rhipidothrips is also provided.

Aphids of Iran: their host plants and distribution

A reviewed checklist of aphids (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Aphidomorpha) species recorded in Iran is presented as a catalogue in alphabetical order considering recent taxonomic changes. In total, 572 species along with 29 subspecies within 148 genera, belonging to 13 subfamilies, 3 families and 3 superfamilies of Aphidomorpha are presented. In addition, the list of host plants and distribution of the aphid species in Iran and the related references are provided.

New Blattisociid Mite of the Genus Cheiroseius Berlese (Mesostigmata: Blattisociidae) from Iran with a Key to the Iranian Species

New Blattisociid Mite of the Genus Cheiroseius Berlese (Mesostigmata: Blattisociidae) from Iran with a Key to the Iranian Species

Chemical diversity among the essential oils of different wild growing Plantago species in Iran

Chemical diversity among the essential oils of different wild growing Plantago species in Iran

Taxonomy of Iranian Asaccus (Squamata: Phyllodactylidae) with description of a new species from southern Iran

We provide the first diversity assessment of Iranian species of the genus Asaccus based on COI DNA-barcoding. We analyzed 53 samples of Iranian Asaccus representing nine OTU corresponding to 10 currently recognzied nominal species, and evaluated both morphological and genetic data to support the recognition of a new species from Bandar-e Jask, Hormozgan Province, southern Iran—Asaccus authenticus sp. nov. The new species is characterized by medium body size (SVL max 55.5 mm), elongated limbs, and relatively small dorsal tubercles arranged in 12–14 regular rows. Morphologically Asaccus authenticus sp. nov. resembles both Arabian and Iranian representatives of the genus; phylogenetically it forms a highly divergent lineage with sister relationships to all other Iranian congeners. We applied the geometric morphometrics method to compare the position and shape of postmental plates for almost all members of Asaccus and evaluated the importance of this character in species diagnostics in this group. We also critically evaluate the recent phylogenetic data on Asaccus and discuss the most problematic questions on taxonomy of this genus. We also revalidate Asaccus ingae (Eiselt, 1973) as a full species; overall our work raises the total number of species of the genus Asaccus to 20.

Distribution mapping of deadly scorpions in Iran

Scorpion sting is a problem all over the world and becomes an acute problem when it is associated with death. Iran is known as a region with a large number of scorpions and, of course, with many cases of scorpion stings per year. So far, 11 scorpion species in Iran have been identified as dangerous, of which there are only three species for which deaths have been reported. Due to the importance of these three species, we prepared a distribution map of these three types of scorpions and discuss the implications of these findings in the larger context of dangerous scorpion stings in Iran.

Crude Extracts of Three Iris Species as Sources of MRSA Antimicrobial Compounds

Crude Extracts of Three Iris Species as Sources of MRSA Antimicrobial Compounds

Nutritional position of managed honey bees during pollination of native plants by the melissopalynology method

Pollination services are crucial for maintaining ecological stability and ensuring food security for humans. Managed honey bees, which are economically valuable and are experiencing population growth due to the increasing demand for their products, play a significant role in pollination. To produce high-quality honey, beekeepers often choose natural high meadows, characterized by high plant species richness, for their apiaries. This practice, in turn, may contribute to the pollination of native plants, as managed honey bees are likely to forage on diverse floral resources within these meadows In this study, we investigated the nutritional position of managed bees in the pollination of native plants in Iran using the melissopalynology method to determine the extent of their contribution to the pollination of native plants. Ninety-four honey samples were collected from beekeepers located in the natural pastures of two biodiversity hotspots in Iran (Zagros and Alborz). Then, plant pollens were extracted from the honey and photographed by scanning electron microscopy. In the next step, plant species were identified, and their abundance was calculated. The results showed that managed bees visited 54 plant genera, seven of which were non-native plants. Additionally, more plant species and the highest abundance of pollen were observed at altitudes ranging from 1000 to 3000 m. Therefore, beekeepers set up their hives in this altitude range to obtain high-quality honey. In general, in this study, the results of melissopalynological analysis, involving the identification of plant genera and pollen counts, revealed that managed honey bees likely contributed less than 3% to the pollination of native plant species in Iran.

Performance Evaluation of Machine Learning Algorithms for Iris Dataset Classification

The problem of classifying iris flowers is a well-known issue in the fields of machine learning and pattern recognition. The Iris dataset is widely recognized as a standard for evaluating the effectiveness of classification algorithms in machine learning. This paper offers a comparative assessment of different machine learning algorithms when applied to the Iris dataset. We implement and assess the performance of k-Nearest Neighbors, Logistic Regression, Decision Tree, Linear SVC methods, Random Forest, Gaussian Naïve Bayes and AdaBoost algorithms based on their accuracy in classification. We examine diverse classification methods, appraise their effectiveness, and discuss our findings. The outcomes reveal the accuracy of these models in correctly categorizing the Iris species. To achieve high accuracy, k-Nearest Neighbors, Logistic Regression, Linear SVC methods,Decision Tree,, Random Forest and AdaBoost classifiers are utilised.

Identification and validation of reference genes for RT-qPCR analysis in Iris domestica under Cd stress

Iris domestica is a widely used ornamental garden and important medicinal plant. Our previous studies have shown that it exhibits significant uptake and translocation capacity under Cd stress compared to other Iris species. Gene expression is studied using RT-qPCR; however, there are no reference genes have been found for I. domestica under Cd stress. In this investigation, thirteen possible reference genes from previous studies and our transcriptome were screened using RT-qPCR in the leaves and roots of Cd-stressed plants. The findings revealed that UBC9 and ACT were the best reference genes for roots with and without Cd stress, whereas YLS8 and ACT7 were the best reference genes for leaves. Among the different tissues without Cd stress, UBC9 and UBC28 exhibited the best results, whereas PP2C06 and UBC9 exhibited the best results under Cd stress. The most stable reference genes in the leaves and roots were UBC9 and UBC28, respectively, under and without Cd stress, and GADPH was the most unstable. Finally, three metal ion response genes, NRAMP2, YSL9 and CYP81Q32 were detected using RT-qPCR and compared with the transcriptome data to further confirm the reliability of the chosen genes. This study identified suitable reference genes for I. domestica under Cd-stress conditions.

Two new species of the genus Aeolothrips (Thysanoptera: Aeolothripidae) from Iran

Two new species Aeolothrips kermanensis sp. n., from the southeast, and Aeolothrips richardi sp. n. from the west of Iran are described as new to science. Host-plant relationships among Aeolothrips Haliday species of Iran are discussed. The record of A. montivagus from Iran was revised. The list of Iranian species of Aeolothrips is updated and diagnostic characters for the two new species are illustrated.

Phylogeography and genetic structure of Papaver bracteatum populations in Iran based on genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS)

Papaver bracteatum, known for its high thebaine content and absence of morphine, has emerged as a promising alternative to opium poppy for codeine production. In this study, our objective was to create a diverse panel representing the natural variation of this species in Iran. To achieve this, we employed genotyping-by-sequencing to obtain genome-wide distributed single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for phylogeographic analysis, population structure assessment, and evaluation of genetic diversity within P. bracteatum populations. A total of 244 P. bracteatum individuals from 13 distinct populations formed seven genetic groups, along with one highly admixed population. We observed a clear split between the populations inhabiting the Alborz Mts. in the east and Zagros Mts. in the west. In between these mountain ranges, the population of Kachal Mangan exhibited a high degree of genetic admixture between both genetic groups. At or after the end of the last glacial maximum, when climate conditions rapidly changed, all P. bracteatum populations experienced a strong demographic bottleneck reducing the already small effective population sizes further before they increased to their recent strengths. Our results suggest that the ongoing climate change together with human pressure on the species’ habitats and limited seed-dispersal ability are potential factors contributing today to rising genetic isolation of P. bracteatum populations. Our results provide genetic data that can be used for conservation measures to safeguard the species’ genetic diversity as a resource for future breeding approaches in this medicinally important species.

Characterization of Botryosphaeriaceae species associated with dieback and canker of Tamarix and Haloxylon species in Iran

Characterization of Botryosphaeriaceae species associated with dieback and canker of Tamarix and Haloxylon species in Iran

Molecular Diagnosis of Human Cutaneous Leishmaniasis and Identification of the Causative Leishmania Species in Iran: A Narrative Review

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a common form of leishmaniasis in underdeveloped countries. Although CL tends to be self-limiting, it can cause significant scars and may progress to more severe manifestations. Additionally, Leishmania species vary in susceptibility to the available treatments. The selection of treatment and clinical outcome of CL depend on the accurate determination of the Leishmania species. This mini-review aims to provide an overview of the molecular diagnosis techniques such as PCR-based assays, nucleic acid sequence-based amplification, and loop-mediated isothermal amplification utilized in the identification of Leishmania species in Iran.

Integrating phylogenetic, phylogeographic, and morphometric analyses to reveal cryptic lineages within the genus Asaccus (Reptilia: Squamata: Phyllodactylidae) in Iran

The Middle Eastern endemic genus Asaccus comprises Southwest Asian leaf-toed geckos. To date, this genus includes 19 species of leaf-toed geckos (seven in Arabia and 12 in the Zagros Mountains). Despite a recent study on the taxonomy and phylogeny of Asaccus species in Iran, controversies still remain surrounding the phylogeny and phylogeography of the genus. Here, we used an integrative approach to determine the phylogeny and phylogeography of Asaccus species using two mitochondrial genes (12 S and Cyt b), and one nuclear gene (c-mos). Our results uncovered 22 distinct lineages, demonstrating a significant cryptic diversity that challenges the current morphological classifications of these species. Phylogenetic analyses reinforce the monophyly of the Asaccus group, positioning A. montanus as a basal lineage, which supports a deep evolutionary divergence dating back to the Late Oligocene, approximately 27.94 million years ago. This genetic diversity also highlights the impact of historical climatic and geographical changes on species diversification. The findings advocate for an integrative approach combining both molecular and morphological data to resolve species identities accurately, thereby enhancing conservation strategies to protect these genetically distinct lineages.

Genetic Diversity and Phylogenetic Study of Leishmania Species in Iran by Multilocus Sequence Typing.

Leishmaniasis is an important public health parasitic infection, which is endemic in many parts of the world, including Iran. We aimed to investigate genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship among different Leishmania isolates using multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). Totally, 41 isolates collected either from patients referred to Leishmaniasis Diagnostics and Treatment Center at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran or from animals during 2019-2021, were subjected to the study. They included L. major and L. tropica from human, L. infantum from canine, and L. turanica from rodents from different endemic foci of Iran analyzed using MLST including gp63, g6pdh, lack, nagt, and hsp70 genes. A total of 5010 bps was analyzed from each isolate. The three targets, nagt, lack, and g6pdh, generated better topology comparing to the other genes. In the 44 isolates, 22 haplotypes (STs) were identified. Leishmania tropica contained the highest number of haplotypes (n=12) comparing to L. major (n=8), L. infantum (n=1) and L. turanica (n=1). All five genomic loci caused separation of Iranian Leishmania species at the species level, indicating conservation of these genes in the Leishmania parasite. The highest number of haplotypes belonged to L. tropica, indicating that the genetic diversity of this species is higher than that of L. major. It was further confirmed that the MLST is a suitable method to examine genetic variation of Leishmania parasites with respect to evolutionary and epidemiological studies.

Application of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis for molecular identification of pathogenic Leptospira species in Iran: a rapid and reliable method.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira serovars. The genus Leptospira cannot differentiated by conventional techniques. However, identity determination of pathogenic serovar is precious of public health problems and epidemiological studies. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis facilitates rapid identification of Leptospires to the serovar levels. In this study, we employed PFGE to evaluate 28 Leptospira isolates, with animal, human and environmental origin, obtained from Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute of Karaj, Iran. PFGE patterns of 28 Leptospira serovars were generated using the Not I restriction enzyme in comparison with the lambda ladder. Out of 28 serovars evaluated, we identified 22 different pulsed types, designated P1-P22. Out of 22 pulse groups, 3 were found to be a common type, but others were a single Type. Groups consisting of the common type were P3, P9, P14, and P16. The results showed that the discriminatory index of PFGE by Not I enzyme was 0.99, demonstrating heterogeneous differentiation among serovar members. The PFGE methodology used in this study showed excellent interlaboratory report usability, rapid, reliable, enabling standardization and data sharing between laboratories.

Iris cangshanensis (Iridaceae), a new species from southwest China

A new species of Iris, Iris cangshanensis, was discovered in Cangshan Nature Reserve, Dali City, Yunnan Province, China. Morphologically, I. cangshanensis shares several key features with species in Iris subg. Crossiris, including prominent crests and stout rhizomes, but it is easily distinguished from other Iris species by its unique crest, dark purple spots on the falls, erect standards recurved to the style branches, and slightly fimbriate tips of the style branches. Phylogenetic analysis including 115 related species based on matk/trnk and trnL‐F sequences indicates that I. cangshanensis forms a distinct clade, and reveals a strong genetic connection between I. cangshanensis, the Iris tectorum complex and Iris latistyla. Overall, both morphological and phylogenetic evidence strongly support the classification of I. cangshanensis as a newly discovered species. A comprehensive description of this species is provided, including a detailed illustrations and photographs, geographical distribution, habitat and ecology, as well as its IUCN conservation status.

Detection of Various Rickettsial Species in Ticks Collected from Small Ruminants in Western Iran.

Background: Most of the rickettsioses are transmitted by ticks, and often overlooked by the medical profession, but are clinically important as they cause major human diseases. Recent studies have shown the existence of some rickettsial species in Iran, but very little information is available about the status of rickettsial epidemiology and ecology. This study investigated the presence of Rickettsia spp. in ticks and ruminants in western of Iran by molecular methods. Materials and Methods: 250 blood samples were collected from sheep and goats, as well as 244 ticks were collected opportunistically from ruminants in the Kurdistan province. The collected samples were tested using a real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay targeting the Rickettsia 16SrRNA gene. Rickettsia spp. positive by the qPCR were further amplified by conventional PCR of the gltA and OmpA genes. These ampliqons were further analyzed by sequencing. Results: The ticks species collected in this study included Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rh. turanicus, Haemaphysalis concinna, and Dermacentor marginatus. In total, DNA of Rickettsia spp. was detected in 131 collected ticks (53.7%). Of the positives, Rickettsia slovaca (59.2%) and Ri. hoogstraalii (16.3%) were the most common species identified followed by Ri. raoultii, Ri. massiliae, Ri. sibirica, and Ri. conorii subsp. israelensis. In contrast, there were no positives observed in the blood samples collected from ruminants. Conclusion: The results indicate the presence of rickettsial species in ticks. The detection of these pathogens is significant because they cause clinical disease in humans. The results support the notion that the Iranian public health system needs to be more aware of these diseases.

Lemma and palea micromorphological study of Setaria species (Poaceae) in Iran

Setaria (Poaceae, Paniceae, Cenchrinae) comprises 136 species worldwide and 3 species in Iran. This weedy grass is distributed in various parts of the world. In this study, the characters of the lemma and palea of 9 populations of Setaria were studied micromorphologically using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to identify diagnostic characters for the delimitation of the studied species. A total of 18 qualitative and quantitative characters of the lemma and palea surfaces were considered. Different shapes of microhairs, epicuticular wax, and the occurrence of cork cells and silica cells were evident in the studied taxa. The results of this study revealed the taxonomic value of floret micromorphological characters in Setaria species.