Genetic structure and phylogenetic relationships of Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa in Northern regions of Iran

Blackleg, caused by Leptosphaeria maculans, and L. biglobosa, is a major disease that hinders canola (Brassica napus) production worldwide. In this study, 51 Leptosphaeria isolates, and previously deposited sequences were examined for genetic diversity using ITS, β-tubulin, tef and act gene regions. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the isolates fell within two sub-species of brassicae and canadensis. Out of 51 Iranian isolates, 55%, 37%, and 8% were found as L. biglobosa canadensis, L. biglobosa brassicae, and L. maculans, respectively. Accordingly, the canadensis sub-species was found to be the predominant sub-species in Iran. There was no difference between Iranian and foreign brassicae sub-species in terms of ITS nucleotide sequences. This paper confirms the presence of brassicae and canadensis sub-species in Iran and describes the distribution of L. biglobosa in the country. Moreover, Leptosphaeria species were distinguished using a phylogenetic tree based on the tef region.