STUDY OF THE FUNGAL BIODIVERSITY OF PISTACHIO (PISTACIA VERA L.) ORCHARDS IN AZERBAIJAN

Azerbaijan, with its fertile soils and favorable climatic conditions, hosts a rich biodiversity, among which subtropical fruit trees hold significant importance in agriculture. Pistacia vera L. (pistachio), a high-value dry subtropical fruit tree, is widely cultivated in several economic-geographic zones of the Greater Caucasus region, including Guba-Khachmaz, Sheki-Zagatala, and Mountainous Shirvan. Despite the economic and nutritional potential of pistachio cultivation, yields and quality are often affected by fungal pathogens. This study aimed to investigate the mycobiota associated with pistachio trees in Azerbaijan and to identify pathogenic fungal species affecting vegetative and generative organs. A total of 100 samples were collected from various plantations in spring and autumn, followed by laboratory isolation and identification procedures using morphological and statistical methods. Twenty-seven fungal species were identified, primarily belonging to the phylum Ascomycota, with only one species from Basidiomycota. Notably, species such as Aspergillus amstelodami, Fusarium graminearum, Penicillium expansum, P. tardum, and Verticillium dahliae were recorded on pistachio trees in Azerbaijan for the first time. The most common pathological manifestations included leaf spots and fruit or stem rot. The presence of mycotoxin-producing fungi such as Aspergillus flavus underscores the need for strict phytosanitary control. These findings provide a foundational understanding of pistachio mycobiota in Azerbaijan and highlight the necessity for targeted disease management strategies, selection of resistant cultivars, and development of biocontrol measures to ensure sustainable pistachio production and enhance export potential.