Principles of mycological safety of the use of forage plants cultivated in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan’s natural climatic conditions support diverse and productive agriculture. Lowland and foothill areas favor irrigated farming, while mountainous regions are suitable for rain-fed agriculture and animal husbandry. The country has an ancient agricultural heritage, with archaeological evidence confirming its historical role in grain cultivation, viticulture, fruit and vegetable growing, and animal husbandry. Despite wars and internal conflicts, Azerbaijani agriculture has continuously developed, cultivating wheat, barley, and various food and fodder crops. Favorable climatic conditions also allow for floriculture and the production of essential oils. Recent studies on the mycobiota of cultivated plants in the Kur-Araz Lowland identified 112 fungal species, clarifying their ecotrophic relationships and impact on agrocenoses. Similarly, research in the Lankaran-Astara region revealed 85 fungal and fungus-like species, mostly anamorphic ascomycetes affecting crops such as wheat, barley, corn, and sugar beet. Common diseases recorded include fusariosis, spotting, rust, wilt, downy mildew, and septoria. Despite these studies, the total number of fungi species in Azerbaijan remains uncertain due to various challenges in fungal systematics. However, literature confirms 214 species of xylotrophic macromycetes, while estimates suggest the overall fungal diversity could reach 10,000 species. Further research is required to comprehensively document Azerbaijan’s fungal biodiversity and its impact on agriculture. published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences | JBES