ECOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS BETWEEN FOREST TREES OF AZERBAIJAN AND THEIR PATHOGENIC MICROMYCETES

The aim of this study was to systematically investigate the ecological interactions between forest trees in Azerbaijan and their pathogenic micromycetes. The research was conducted from 2024 to 2025 across regions with diverse climate and soil conditions, including the Shaki–Gabala forests, Talysh forests, Qabala–Oghuz mountain forests, and the urban areas of Absheron–Baku. The study focused on the main tree genera forming these forest ecosystems: Quercus, Pinus, Populus, Betula, and Carpinus. Micromycete samples were collected from leaves, branches, bark, and root systems of the trees. In the laboratory, the samples were incubated on PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar) and MEA (Malt Extract Agar) media, and taxonomic identification was performed using both morphological and molecular methods. The ecological characteristics, occurrence frequency, and trophic specialization of micromycetes were analyzed using statistical methods, including the Shannon-Weaver diversity index and density distribution analysis. Soil properties, climatic variables, and anthropogenic factors were also incorporated into the analytical framework. The results showed that Fusarium, Alternaria, and Penicillium species were dominant on Quercus, Trichoderma and Phoma species on Pinus, and Cladosporium and Alternaria species on Populus and Betula. The effects of these micromycetes were observed as leaf fall, trunk necrosis, and root diseases, while tolerant species predominated in urbanized areas. The study demonstrated that the trophic specialization and distribution intensity of micromycetes are crucial for the functional stability of forest ecosystems. These findings provide a scientific basis for the conservation of biodiversity in Azerbaijan’s forest ecosystems, monitoring of pathogenic micromycetes, and sustainable forest management. They are significant for assessing forest health and maintaining ecological balance.