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First report and diversity analysis of endophytic fungi associated with Ulva sp. from Iran

Summary

Researchers in Iran discovered 33 different fungi living inside a green algae called Ulva that grows along the Iranian coast. These fungi live symbiotically with the algae without harming it. Seven different species of fungi were identified for the first time in Iranian Ulva, including common fungi like Aspergillus and Penicillium. This discovery helps scientists understand the hidden relationships between fungi and marine algae in Iranian waters.

Background

Endophytic fungi colonize plants symbiotically without causing overt harm and produce bioactive metabolites with applications in medicine and agriculture. While endophytes in terrestrial plants are well-studied, there are no prior reports of endophytes associated with algae in Iran. This study addresses the gap in understanding fungal-algal symbioses in Iranian coastal ecosystems.

Objective

To isolate, identify, and analyze the diversity of endophytic fungi associated with Ulva sp. collected from the Bandar Abbas Fishery Coast in Iran. The study aims to expand knowledge of fungal diversity in Iran’s coastal ecosystems and reveal novel host-fungus associations.

Results

Thirty-three fungal isolates were identified from Ulva sp., classified into 7 species across 6 genera: Alternaria, Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Syncephalastrum. Aspergillus was the most abundant (34%), while Alternaria and Syncephalastrum were least frequent (9% each). All species are reported for the first time as endophytes of Ulva sp. in Iran.

Conclusion

This study provides the first documentation of endophytic fungi associated with Ulva sp. in Iranian waters, identifying seven new records. The research enhances understanding of ecological interactions between fungal endophytes and marine algae in Iranian ecosystems and emphasizes the diversity of symbiotic relationships in aquatic environments.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:Original Research,
  • Source: 10.1038/s41598-025-22071-6 / 41174113
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