Iranian Species Research Articles

A Taxonomic Revision of the Genus Hedysarum L. (Fabaceae-Hedysareae) in Iran

Hedysarum is the second largest genus of the tribe Hedysareae (Fabaceae), in Iran. Considering the rising number of species in Iran, a taxonomic revision of the genus is provided, except for a Hedysarum wrightianum group. As a complementary treatment, a diagnostic key to the species and detailed morphological descriptions are supplied. Based on the reliable molecular phylogeny and morphological evidence in the current study, the taxonomy of some species of H. subsect. Crinifera was re-examined. H. criniferum var. melanotrichum with 1-2 segmented, large, elliptic-semi ovate pods, is raised to the species rank as H. melanotrichum. Also, a new variety of H. atropatanum, (var. glabrum) with pods without setae, is introduced from the type locality. Furthermore, some species were synonymized including H. longipedunculatum with H. fallacinum, H. persicum with H. papillosum, H. orumiehense with H. criniferum, H. bojnordense with H. kopetdaghi, H. elbursense with H. hyrcanum as well as H. kalatense and H. johartchii with H. balchanense. According to the present study, the flora of Iran consists of H. armenium, a representative of H. sect. Hedysarum, and 31 species from H. sect. Multicaulia.

Distribution patterns and conservation status of Crocus species in Iran, one of the diversity centers of Crocus in the Middle East

Abstract Assessing distribution patterns of valuable taxa plays an important role in the biodiversity conservation of these taxa. The genus Crocus L. (Iridaceae) comprises about 100 species that are distributed mainly in the Mediterranean region and western Asia. The present study purposed to assess the distribution patterns of Iranian Crocus species (including C. sativus L. and 8 wild species) and their conservation status in Iran as one of diversity centers of Crocus in the Middle East. A set of geographic distribution data was compiled through field studies, and reviews of herbarium specimens, iNaturalist, and various Flora. Localities were marked on geo-referenced maps (1/106) of Iran using ArcView version 3.2 (Esri, 2000). The distribution patterns of the taxa were mapped per 0.25° × 0.25° universal transverse Mercator grid cells (25 km2 with the exception of boundary area). Based on the species distribution (SDI) (33%) and species specialization (SSI) (44%) indices, those Iranian Crocus species that are threatened are mainly distributed in Irano-Turanian region. The mountainous ecosystems of Almeh and Western Alborz are important distribution centers of these taxa. Iranian Crocus species with SSI < 0.5 (C. almehensis, C. gilanicus, C. michelsonii, and C. caspius) have the highest conservation value.

New Data on Latrodectus tredecimguttatus Rossi, 1790, the Medically Important Spider Species (Araneae: Theridiidae) from Iran.

Spiders are one of the most important orders of Arachnida comprising more than 48,000 species in the world. Except for families Uloboridae and Holarchaeidae, all others are classified as the venomous spider. However, only about 200 species are medically relevant and cause public health problems or even death. In Iran, there are 51 families and 763 species of spiders, of which the families, Theridiidae and Sicariidae are dangerous for the human being, and the first one is more prevalent. The Latrodectus is considered one of the most poisonous spiders in the world and Iran. This genus has five species in Iran, among which Latrodectus tredecimguttatus (black widow spider or “Dolmak”) is considered one of the most poisonous spiders in Iran. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate this species in the Northwest of Iran (West Azerbaijan, East Azerbaijan, and Ardabil provinces, Iran). Spatial distribution maps were prepared using GIS 9.4. In the current study, five adult female spiders were collected from Germi and Ardabil cities (Ardabil Province), Ahar County (East Azerbaijan province), and Urmia city (West Azerbaijan province) of Iran. These species were first observed in Ardabil province, Iran. Therefore, the presence of Latrodectus species under the rocks in wheat farms in this corner of Iran may be a threat to farms and visitors. People in these areas should wear gloves and avoid any activity that disturbs the spiders and make them aggressive.

A Review of Research on Some Species of the Genus Artemisia

This study examines research on some species of the genus Artemisia. The use of medicinal plants is as old as the intellectual life and development of human consciousness. Because diseases are born with human origins and the documents of several thousand years in the history of medicine and pharmacy contain valuable experiences and information of herbal medicine. One of our goals in this research has been to better identify medicinal plants and their correct use and, of course, to increase the ability to identify and use native plants. , Medicinal uses have been varied and many and of course are still used. One of the most widely used artichokes in traditional medicine has been its use as an anti-parasitic drug. Artemisia is a genus of chicory (Compositae) Asteraceae and has 34 species in Iran and has the widest distribution after Astragalus. This genus has useful and valuable properties in various aspects (medicinal, forage, soil protection, botany, ecology, etc.). The species of this genus have special anatomical features that are certainly widely distributed and Adaptation of these species to difficult environments is effective.

Predominance of Fourth Panzootic Newcastle Disease Virus Subgenotype VII.1.1 in Iran and Its Relation to the Genotypes Circulating in the Region.

Following recent Newcastle disease virus (NDV) outbreaks in Iranian poultry farms which were mostly associated with lesions of the avian gastrointestinal tract, it was speculated that the scale of the outbreaks could be attributed in part to co-circulating infectious agents or a new NDV genotype/subgenotype. This speculation was due to the isolation of a few 5th panzootic subgenotype VII.2 viruses from Iranian poultry farms in 2017. Samples from different species of commercial and domestic birds were collected from different provinces of Iran, 19 of which were selected for the current study. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the recent outbreaks have been caused by only one agent, i.e. the distinctive NDV subgenotype VII.1.1 (previously known VIIl) viruses that seem to be circulating predominantly in Iran, but have also been sporadically reported from Iraq among neighbouring countries. At most, 96.3-96.7% BLAST identity to non-Iranian VII.1.1 isolates was observed. Genetic distance values of <1% were indicative of high similarity between the isolates, but the values were approaximately 2% when the current isolates were compared to the earliest recorded Iranian VII.1.1 viruses isolated in 2010. Using Bayesian analysis, annual mutation rates of 1.7156E-3 (strict) and 1.9902E-3 (relaxed) over 11years were obtained. In addition, we report that our laboratories have not detected any genotype XIII strains since 2011. Following up on previous reports, we concluded that currently, and except in Columbiforms, subgenotype VII.1.1 may likely be the predominant subgenotype in many bird species in Iran despite the subgenotype VII.2 being predominant in neighbouring countries.

Three new species of armoured scale insect (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae) from Iran.

Three new species of armoured scale insect from Iran, namely Cryptoparlatoreopsis kermanensis sp. n., Diaspis quercus sp. n., and Hemiberlesia uramanica sp. n. are described and illustrated, based on morphology of the adult female. Identification keys to the world species of Cryptoparlatoreopsis and to the Iranian species of Diaspis and Hemiberlesia are provided.

Frequency and Antimicrobial Resistance of Shigella Species in Iran During 2000-2020

Context: Numerous studies have shown the high frequency and antibiotic-resistant patterns of Shigella species in different provinces of Iran. In this study, we performed a comprehensive review from 2000 to 2020 in Iran to describe the prevalence rate and antibiotic-resistant patterns of S. sonnei, S. dysenteriae, S. flexneri, and S. boydii. Evidence Acquisition: We systematically searched the biomedical databases including Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, SID, and Web of Science for related articles published in English or Persian. Finally, out of 70 articles, 34 studies were included in the study. Results: From 44,292 clinical specimens, 2,742 cases were introduced as positive samples for Shigella species in Iran during 2000-2020. Also, S. sonnei (n = 1484, 54.1%) was the predominant species in Iran, followed by S. flexneri (n = 1100, 40.1%), S. dysenteriae (n = 80,3%), and S. boydii (n = 78, 2.8%). These Shigella species showed maximum resistance to ampicillin (n = 1759, 64%-96%), cotrimoxazole (n = 1220, 87%-100%), nalidixic acid (n = 649, 10%-82%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (n = 459, 80%-98.5%), cefotaxime (n = 410, 53%-63%), and tetracycline (n = 386, 36%-94%). No resistances were found against imipenem, meropenem, cefoxitin, norfloxacin, levofloxacin, azithromycin, and amoxicillin. Also, 308 and 359 cases were introduced as multidrug resistance (MDR) and extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) producing species, respectively. Conclusions: Evaluation of endemic shigellosis and antibiotic-resistant patterns through epidemiological studies are necessary to promote infection control strategies. These data may be useful to avoid empirical treatment, revise treatment guidelines, and decrease antimicrobial resistance of Shigella spp. in human societies.

Spatial Distribution of Ticks (Arachniada: Argasidae and Ixodidae) and Their Infection Rate to Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in Iran.

Background:The Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is one of the most important arthropod-borne viral diseases with a mortality rate of about 30% among humans. The disease, caused by a Nairovirus, is transmitted to humans and animals by hard and soft ticks. This study aimed to determine the distribution of soft and hard ticks in the past three decades in Iran with an emphasis on the vectors of the CCHF virus.Methods:In this study, all studies that were carried out in different regions of Iran from 1979 to 2018 and their results were published in prestigious journals were used to create a database. The distribution of ticks was mapped using ArcMap10.3.Results:Based on the results, nine genera and 37 species of soft and hard ticks were recorded in Iran. So far, six genera and 16 species of hard and soft ticks were reported to be infected with the CCHF virus. The infection to this virus was reported from 18 out of 31 provinces, with a high rate in Sistan and Baluchistan as well as Khuzestan provinces. The highest levels of CCHF infection belonged to Hyalomma marginatum and H. anatolicum.Conclusion:The main vectors of CCHF, H. marginatum and H. anatolicum, were reported in more than 38.7% of Iran's provinces, and these two species were identified as invasive species in Iran. Thus, control activities should be strengthened to avoid the outbreaks of CCHF.

Phthiria notiosa sp. nov., a new bombyliid species of the tribe Phthiriini (Diptera, Bombyliidae, Phthiriinae) from Kerman province in the south of Iran.

A new species Phthiria notiosa Gharali, Mogbeli Fekrat sp. nov. is described from the southern Iran and its diagnostic features are photographed. The new species belongs to the group of Phthiria species having the dorsal prong of the first flagellomere short. Phthiria notiosa sp. nov. is morphologically similar to Ph. vagans but it is easily distinguished from that widely distributed species in Iran by the completely black scutellum and different genitalic features.

Genetic structure of Alhagi (Hedysareae, Fabaceae) populations using ISSR data in Iran.

Alhagi Gagnebin (Fabaceae: Hedysareae) is a small genus of shrubs or subshrubs distributed in temperate and tropical regions of Asia, Europe, and Africa. The exact number of Alhagi species in Iran has been disputable. Studies showed that morphology, seed protein, and chromosome characters could not clearly delimitate the species boundaries of the genus. In order to determine species boundaries and the population structure of Alhagi species in Iran, eight labeled inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers were used to screen 22 populations including 110 individuals. STRUCTURE, PCoA and clustering analyses of ISSR data were able to clearly split all populations of Alhagi in Iran into two distinct groups. As the populations A. pseudalhagi and A. maurorum jointly formed a group (A. maurorum complex) segregated from those of Alhagi graecorum. Further analyses of A. maurorum complex showed a significant molecular difference among the studied populations (PhiPT value = 0.213, P = 0.001) as well as a high amount of variability within populations (79%) indicating frequent genetic exchanges. Structure analysis of complex populations (K = 2) showed no distinct genetic pattern related to their geographical distribution. In this study, Alhagi has retrieved the only two species of Alhagi in Iran; A. graecorum and A. maurorum.

Intra- and inter-specific variability of IGF-I expression in farmed cold and warm-water species in Iran

Changes in the expression of liver insulin-like growth factor IGF-I mRNA in two growing cold-water fish species Oncorhynchusmykiss(one from locally produced and one from imported broodstock) and in two warm-water species, Hypophthalmichthysnobilis and Hypophthalmichthysmolitrix were analyzed. Gene expression analysis in liver tissues by using real-time PCR revealed a significant difference in expression level of IGF-I between native and non-native rainbow trout (P bighead carp> silver carp> native rainbow trout. Local strains of rainbow trout, bighead carp and silver carp exhibited stable IGF-I mRNA levels, at different stages of growth. The imported broodstock of rainbow trout exhibited increased IGF-I levels during the entire period studied, with a peak in the IGF-I mRNA levels of fingerlings. The results indicate intra- and inter-specific variability of IGF-I expression in farmed fish.

Prevalence and Genetic Diversity of Avian Haemosporidian Parasites in Southern Iran.

Avian haemosporidians are widespread and diverse and are classified in the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, and Fallisia. These species are known to cause haemosporidiosis and decreased fitness of their hosts. Despite the high diversity of habitats and animal species in Iran, only few studies have addressed avian haemosporidians in this geographic area. This study was performed in the south and southeast of Iran during the bird breeding seasons in 2017 and 2018, with the aim to partly fill in this gap. Blood samples of 237 passerine birds belonging to 41 species and 20 families were collected. Parasite infections were identified using a nested PCR protocol targeting a 479-base-pair fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) gene of Haemoproteus, Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon species. The overall prevalence of haemosporidian parasites was 51.1%, and 55 different lineages were identified, of which 15 cytb lineages were new globally. The lineages of Haemoproteus predominated (63.6% of all detected lineages), followed by Leucocytozoon and Plasmodium. Nineteen new host records of haemosporidian cytb lineages were identified, and the majority of them were found in resident bird species, indicating local transmission. Thirteen co-infections (9.8% of infected individuals) of Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon parasites in seven host species were observed. This study shows the presence of active local transmission of parasites to resident bird species in the southeast of Iran and contributes to the knowledge on haemosporidian parasite biodiversity in this poorly studied region of the world.

Taxonomy and systematics of the Iranian species of the genus Ourapteryx Leach, 1814 (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) with the description of a new species

Specimens from several hitherto unknown populations of the genus Ourapteryx were collected from the Kopet Dagh Mountains in north-eastern Iran. Both morphological characters and DNA barcoding confirm that these populations belong to a new species, which is here described as Ourapteryx meinekei sp. n. Rajaei & Kollhorst. Additionally, O. malatyensis syn. nov. is downgraded to synonymy of O. persica. Potential synonymy of O. persica and O. niveiscythes with O. sambucaria is discussed. Diagnostic characters are presented, illustrated and compared with those of the other Ourapteryx species in the Middle East. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:92AD2988-2ACC-4C13-B0F8-B32B1FF6034F

‘Flower Angel’: A New Iris sanguinea Cultivar

The Iridaceae is a family of perennial, herbaceous, and bulbous plants that belong to the order Asparagales, taking their name from the genus Iris. There are more than 2000 species in this family (Peter and Manning, 2008). The genus Iris is the largest one of the family Iridaceae. There are about 300 species around the world and 60 species in China (Roguz et al., 2020). Irises are commonly used in landscaping because of their large, colorful, and showy flowers (Lian et al., 2016). Among Iris species, Iris

Türkiye Faunası İçin İki Yeni Stigmaeid Akar (Acari: Stigmaidae) Kaydı

Stigmaeus shabestariensis Haddad Irani-Nejad,Lotfollahi and Akbari, 2010 and Prostigmaeus khanjanii Bagheri and Ghorbani 2010 were determined in Afyonkarahisar and Manisa provinces and were identified as new records for the Turkish fauna. Mites taken from soil and litter samples, beneath of ‎Populus alba, Vitexagnus-castus andVerbascum sp. were extracted using Berlese funnel sand mounted on slides in a modified Hoyer’s medium. Then, the specimens were measured and illustrated using a drawing tube attached microscope. In this study, similarities and differences of two new records species for the Turkish fauna were discussed and compared the other type species in Iran.

Brucellosis in Iranian livestock: A meta-epidemiological study

Brucellosis is a widespread zoonotic disease affecting human and livestock health. This meta-epidemiological study is aiming to draw a comprehensive picture of the Brucella prevalence in Iranian livestock, trying to estimate most affected subgroups as well as the most appropriate methods and sampling conditions for brucellosis screening programs. A literature search was performed among data published between 1 January 1970 and July 2020. Different subgroups were compared according to animal species, gender, age, sampling season, sampling locations as well as the diagnostic method used for brucellosis screening. To determine heterogeneity of studies, Chi-squared test was used and a random effect model (REM) estimated the pooled prevalence among subgroups. A total of 45 publications, comprising 240 studies/data-reports, were evaluated. A significant increase in the number of studies was found over time (Coefficient = 0.151, p value < 0.001). The most studied species in Iran was cow (n = 75), followed by sheep (n = 63), goat (n = 45), camel (n = 40) and Buffalo (n = 16). The most identified Brucella species in livestock were Brucella melitensis (n = 50), Brucella abortus (n = 39), mix infection of B. melitensis and B. abortus (n = 11) and vaccine strain of B. melitensis Rev1 (n = 4). PCR-based tests were the most common applied diagnostic method (n = 140), while the highest prevalence rate of positive samples was obtained by indirect ELISA (69%). The prevalence of brucellosis was significantly higher in females (10.91%) compared to males (8.23%). The meta-epidemiological study of brucellosis in Iranian livestock would help to strengthen surveillance, control and prevention approaches to counter the spread of this zoonotic disease.

Taxonomic study of the genus Microplitis Förster, 1862 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Microgastrinae) from Iran

The genus Microplitis Förster, 1862 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Microgastrinae) was studied from northern Iran. Specimens were collected using Malaise traps during 2010–2011. A total of 13 species were collected and identified, of which six species are recorded for the first time from Iran: M. cebes Nixon, 1970, M. docilis Nixon, 1970, M. eremitus Reinhard, 1880, M. kaszabi Papp, 1980, M. pallidipennis Tobias, 1964 and M. varipes (Ruthe, 1860). Two species M. kaszabi and M. pallidipennis are new records for the west Palaearctic region. A new species, Microplitis alborziensis Abdoli &amp; Talebi sp. nov., is described and illustrated. The number of species of Microplitis in Iran is now raised from 17 to 24. A faunistic list, an identification key to all known Iranian species and brief diagnoses and illustrations for all species that have been collected in this study are provided. The validity of the new species is supported by DNA barcoding.

The Study of Micromorphological and Essential oil Analysis of Nepeta binaloudensis and Nepeta cataria (Lamiaceae)

Introduction The Nepeta is one of the largest genus of Nepetoide subfamily, in the Lamiaceae family with about 79 species in Iran. Most of the species are perennial rarely annual with different vegetative forms, leaves covered with trichome. Glandular trichomes are widely distributed all over the aerial part of Nepeta species, and their largely to its great importance and their structures can vary widely among plants species. Some species contain monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, cyclopentanoid iridoids derivatives and nepetalactones which they are used in folk medicine as, diaphoretic, diuretic, antitussive, febrifuge agent. In the present work, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to determine the nutlet micromorphology and also micromorphology and distribution of the glandular trichomes of Nepeta binaludensis “an Iranian endemic species” and Nepeta cataria in order to improve the knowledge of the species and to evaluate the usefulness of this feature for phytochemical and systematic purpose. The chemical composition of its essential oil was also analyzed. This paper provides a detailed description of trichome morphology and nutlet in Nepeta binaludensis andNepeta catariaspecies growing in Iran, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and evaluates the systematic significance of such characteristics. Materials and Methods The research was conducted in research garden of Agricultural Faculty of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad during 2017. Seeds of two Nepeta species were provided by Institute of Plant Sciences in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. The seeds were cultivation in greenhouse and the seedling (10 cm long) were transplanted in the field. During the summer aerial parts of the plants were harvested at flowering stage, dried in shade, and (30 g) were hydro distilled for 3 h using Clevenger apparatus. For SEM study, leaves were fixed with 3% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M sodium phosphate buffer, pH 7.2 for 30 min at 4 °C. After washing in water the material was dehydrated through an ethanol gradient and critical point dried. Specimens were mounted onto SEM stubs using double-sided adhesive tape and coated with palladium. For nutlets observation, seed were directly mounted onto aluminum stubs using double-sided adhesive tape and coated with palladium and photographed. Result Based on the obtained data, the surface leaves of both species (N. binaludensis and N.cataria) was observed forglandular and non-glandular trichomes distribution. (The glandular trichomes of the peltate types). Trichome density and size was variable as 7-21mm2 leaf surface (63-77 µm) in N. binaludensis and as 20-30 mm2 leaf surface (47-67 µm) in N.cataria. In both species only one types of glandular trichome was identified. Peltate trichomes comprise of a basal cell situated in the leaf epiderm with a four-celled secretory head. Nutlets of Nepeta were blackish-brown or brown in color. One type surface ornamentation, can be distinguished: smooth-type. The nutlet ornamental pattern was smooth type with finely granulated in N. binaludensis and reticulate pattern in N.cataria species. Water-distilled essential oil of the aerial parts of two speciescultivated in field, were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. In essential oil of N.binaludensis and N. cataria, 51 and 26 components were identified, respectively. The main components of the essential oil of N. binaludensis were 1.8-cineole (14.8%), β-Pinene (10.4%) and p-Cymene (9.8%). Main compounds of the essential oil of N. cataria were 4a-a, 7-a, 7a-b-Nepetalactone (72/76%) and 4a-a, 7-a,7a-a-Nepetalactone (17.86%). Depending on the composition of key compound identified in essential oils, Nepeta species have been divided in two groups. Conclusions Depending on the composition of main compound identified in the essential oils, Nepeta species have been divided in two groups. On the basis of our research N. binaludensis belong to 1.8-cineole chemotype and of N.cataria belong to the nepetalactone chemotype. The leaves of N. binaludensis, N.cataria have be glandular and non-glandular trichomes. One types of glandular trichomes are identified: Peltate trichomes.Trichomes are distributed at the surface of leaves, having various functions and are extremely variable in the plants, plant organs location, density, form, therefore their morphology and structure could be of taxonomical importance in plant. Glandular trichomes contain or secrete substances which are widely used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic as well as in pesticide industry. The variation in the structure, morphology, density, secretion and function is noticed among these trichomes distributed on different plant organs. Nutlet surface can be useful as a taxonomic characteres.

Characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the chloroplast genome of Iris lactea var. chinensis

Iris lactea var. chinensis is a well-regarded ornamental plant in the genus Iris (family Iridaceae). In this report, we present the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of I. lactea var. chinensis for the first time. The complete cp genome of I. lactea var. chinensis was assembled using high-throughput sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis was undertaken based on a dataset of coding regions. The cp genome of I. lactea var. chinensis measures 152,409 bp in length, with regions having two inverted copies (IR 26,026 bp), and separated by the large single copy (LSC 82,256 bp) and small single copy (SSC 18,101 bp) regions. The cp genome encodes 133 unique genes, including 87 different protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Based on a dataset of 69 chloroplast coding regions, the maximum-likelihood (ML) phylogenetic tree analysis indicated that Iris lactea var. chinensis clusters closely with Iris sanguinea. Thus, the complete chloroplast genome presented in this report may provide valuable genetic information not only for the future exploitation and utilization of this plant resource but also for further research investigating its relationship with other Iris species.

Description of Stigmaeus bagherii n. sp. (Acari: Stigmaeidae), with a key to the known species of Stigmaeus from Iran

ABSTRACT A new species of the genus Stigmaeus Koch (Acari: Stigmaeidae): S. bagherii n. sp. collected from apple tree trunk, is described and illustrated from East Azerbaijan Province, north-western Iran. In addition, a key to the Iranian species of Stigmaeus is provided. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:6BAB9E9F-3E90-45D9-8E9D-7AD0A1ADF284 http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:E2961EE0-711F-4174-A4E4-CBC03CF3A98C