RESISTANCE OF RELICT TREE SPECIES TO PATHOGENIC MYCOBIOTA IN URBAN GREEN SPACES OF AZERBAIJAN

This study evaluates the potential of relict plant species for urban landscaping in Azerbaijan by assessing their resistance to pathogenic mycobiota. Samples were collected from nine relict woody species of the native dendroflora, and their associated fungal communities were isolated and identified. A total of 65 fungal species were recorded, of which 83.1% were classified as conditionally pathogenic. The majority of the identified taxa belonged to the phylum Ascomycota, while Basidiomycota and Zygomycota were represented by fewer species. The most frequently observed diseases were spotted and multicoloured rot, accounting for approximately 75% of all recorded diseases. The dominant pathogenic fungi showed a high degree of host specificity, which may limit the spread of diseases in mixed urban plantings. Overall, the investigated relict tree species demonstrated a high level of resistance to pathogenic mycobiota, indicating their potential suitability for urban greening and sustainable landscape design in Azerbaijan.