سیروس آقاجانزاده

Seasonal population dynamics of the aphids on two important commercial citrus species, Thomson navel orange (TNO) and Satsuma mandarin (SM) were investigated in the west of Mazandaran province, Ramsar, during 2015-2016. Samplings were performed biweekly from April 2015 to July 2016. In each sampling date, four young shoots were randomly selected from each main geographical direction of each tree and the number of aphids was counted under a stereomicroscope. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between aphid density and temperature and relative humidity as variables. For both species of citrus, the results showed that the first and second population peaks of the aphids occurred in May and October, respectively. Furthermore, there was a significant difference between the infestations of both citrus host plants by the aphids, with Satsuma mandarin showing more infestation. There was a significant difference among the population densities of different aphid species on both citrus species. Aphis spiraecola, Aphis gossypii, and Toxoptera aurantii had the highest population abundances, respectively. A positive and significant correlation was observed between these citrus aphid population densities and temperature (r= 0.689, n=49, P=0.04), however, the correlation was not significant for relative humidity (r= 0.661, n=49, P=0.53). In total, seasonal population dynamics of the citrus aphids were affected by the host plant species and different species showed different population fluctuation trends.

Citrus yellow vein clearing virus (CYVCV) is in the genus of Mandarivirus that infects some citrus cultivars and causes damage. In this study, the transmission of CYVCV by Aphis spiraecola, A. gossypii, and Toxoptera aurantii was investigated. Several 30 adult aphids of each species after a 24-hour acquisition access period (AAP) on infected Persian Lime were transferred to Citrus lemon cv. Eureka seedlings for 24 and 48 hours’ inoculation access period (IAP). Six months after inoculation, the infected plants were counted. Then their infection was confirmed by a two-step RT-PCR test. The results of the first test showed that 6 months’ post-inoculation, the mean transmission rate of CYVCV by A. spiraecola, A. gossypii, and T. aurantii was 16.67%, 13.33%, and 26.67%, respectively, for 24h AAP/24h IAP. The mean transmission rate was 23.33%, 20%, and 33.33% for 24h AAP/48h IAP, respectively. By increasing the inoculation access period of aphids on virus-infected plants from 24 h to 48 h, the transmission rate increased. In the second test, all three species of aphids with an unknown AAP were collected from infected Persian lime trees in the orchard, under natural conditions and allowed to feed for 24 and 48 hours on Eureka lemon in the greenhouse. It was found that the tested aphids were capable of transmitting this virus. The present study confirmed that the virus is transmitted from Persian lime to Eureka lemon by these citrus aphids under controlled conditions.

Predatory ladybeetle, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant is a beneficial agent in citrus orchards against scale insects. Effect of four insecticide treatments at recommended dose including mineral oil EC 10 ml/L, mineral oil mayonnaise 10 ml/L, insecticidal soap 2.5 ml/L and buprofezin 0.5 ml/L with control treatment (water) was evaluated on life table parameters of C. montrouzieri. The experiment was performed on fourth instar larvae and the offspring of emerged adults used to evaluate the life table parameters. The lowest mean number of eggs was related to buprofezin treatment (50.6 eggs) which was about 2.8 times less than the control (146.5 eggs). All tested compounds except mayonnaise oil 10 ml/L significantly reduced the intrinsic rate of increase (rm), the finite rate of increase (λ) and the net reproductive rate (R0) compared to the control. The life table parameters of C. montrouzieri were more affected by buprofezin treatment than other treatments, and these parameters were not significantly different in EC and palizin treatments compared with mayonnaise oil treatment. According to our results, simultaneous use of buprofezin with C. montrouzieri should be avoided in integerated management of scale insects. After confirming the results by conducting field experiments, alternative compounds such as mineral oils and palizin can be used.

Citrus yellow vein clearing virus (CYVCV), a new member of the genus Mandarivirus (family Alfafelxiviridae), has been recently reported from Iran after being recognized in Pakistan, India, Turkey and China. Typical symptoms of infection on the leaves of sour orange, lemon and Persian lime, as local sensitive hosts, consist of yellowing lateral veins with corresponding water-soaked appearance on the lower surface of the leaves. Biological and molecular detection, some modes of transmission and phylogenetic analysis of CYVCV isolates of Mazandaran province have been investigated in the present study.

Typical induced symptoms by CYVCV infection; namely yellowing and water soaking of the lateral veins, was considered as the initial criterion for diagnosis of the disease within seedlings and trees of sour orange, lemon and Persian lime cultivars in nurseries and orchards in Mazandaran province.  Three isolates, out of 53 samples, were selected for more analysis from the region collected during the spring of 2016, 2017, and 2018. Inoculation of these isolates into bean plants, sour oranges and lemons were performed using mechanical and grafting methods under greenhouse conditions with controlled temperatures. In order to confirm the infection, total RNA of the collected samples and the inoculated plants were extracted by the SDS-Potassium acetate method. A two-step Reverse Transcription Polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was carried out using a specific primer pair of the virus coat protein (CP) gene.

Characteristic symptoms of the disease were expressed after top-work grafting of the susceptible virus-free orchard cultivars on the trunks of diseased trees. Using specific primer pair in RT-PCR, an expected 614 bp fragment was amplified in symptomatic samples. The consensus sequences, obtained from direct sequencing the PCR products of the studied isolates based on forward and reverse specific primes, were similar to the sequences of other CYVCV isolates of China, India, Pakistan and Turkey at the level of 95.75 to 98.37%. A phylogenetic tree of this part of the genome, grouped Iranian isolates with two isolates from India and Turkey and two Pakistani isolates.

The present study confirmed the presence of Citrus yellow vein clearing virus in the north of the country. Lemon and Persian lime are the two most important susceptible hosts of the virus. These citrus varieties are also valuable cultivars in the south of the country and are considered tolerant genotypes to Witches' broom disease, which is prevalent in these areas. Preventing the spread of the yellow vein clearingdisease to the new infection foci by continuous monitoring of the citrus nurseries should be seriously considered.

Citrus, as a critical horticultural product, has a special place in our country's economy. Meanwhile, scale insects such as Planococcus citri and Pulvinaria aurantii are the most important pests of citrus in northern Iran and cause economic damage. To prevent the damage of these pests, various insecticides are recommended. Due to a waxy layer on their bodies, it is difficult to control them chemically. Excessive use of pesticides and repeated spraying can have adverse effects on non-target organisms. In the present study, the effect of three compounds was conducted on some biological and reproductive characteristics of a coccinellid predator, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri. Also, these compounds were grouped according to the criteria of the International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC).

The effect of three compounds at field recommended concentration and half dosage of them in 9 treatments, including: 1, 2: mineral oils, EC, at two concentrations of 5 ml/L and 10 ml/L, 3, 4: mineral oils mayonnaise, at two concentrations of 5 ml/L and 10 ml/L, 5, 6: insecticidal soap palizin 1.25 and 2.5 ml/L, 7, 8: buprofezin 0.25 and 0.5 ml/L and 9: water (control) were investigated on C. montrouzieri. Treatments were done on eggs via dipping method and on the fourth instar larvae and adults via direct spray on mealybug-infested citrus seedling after releasing the ladybeetle.

Mayonnaise oil (10 ml/L) caused a 43.4% reduction on egg hatching compared with that of control. Buprofezin treatment (0.5 ml/L) with 36.6, 35.5 and 40% mortalities on fourth instar larvae, male and female adult respectively, was significantly different compared to the control. In the treated females with buprofezin 0.5 ml/L, mean of longevity and fecundity were 30.9 days and 26.1 eggs compared to the control 87.8 days and 114 eggs, respectively. According to IOBC standard method, mayonnaise (5 ml/L) as harmless (E=24.6, class 1), buprofezin as moderately harmful (E=84.1, class 3), and other compounds as slightly harmful (class 2) were classified. Used compounds at half doses had a low adverse effect on tested parameters compared with field recommended concentration.

Many researchers emphasize the harmlessness of oils to pests' natural enemies. Also, the safety of palizin on them has been reported by some researchers. The use of buprofezin in the larval stage reduced the percentage of adult exit from the pupa, and in the maturing stage, reduced the number of ladybeetle eggs compared to other compounds, so its toxicity is observed to this predator. On the other hand, the effectiveness of mineral oils and palizin in reducing the population of citrus scales has been positively evaluated by researchers. Therefore, these compounds can be used as alternatives to chemical pesticides in the integrated management of citrus pest programs. Also, the mentioned compounds had a less adverse effect on the ladybeetle at the half dosage of the recommended concentrations, which can be used in combination with the ladybeetle to pest control.

The orange pulvinaria scale, Pulvinaria aurantii Ckll. is the most important scale of citrus in the northern Iran. The lethal effects of chlorpyrifos, pyripropoxyfen, acetamiprid and palazin, alone and in combination with emulsifying oil, were evaluated on first-instar nymphs of P. aurantii. The experiment was conducted under natural condition in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications and 10 treatments, and treatments effect was compared 1, 7, 14 and 21 days after spraying. Moreover, the effect of these insecticides was investigated on duration of immature stages and female longevity of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant. The activity of some detoxification enzymes (alpha-esterase, beta-esterase and glutathion-S-transferase) in third instar larvae was evaluated. The experiments on the ladybird were conducted under laboratory conditions at 26±1ºC, 75±5% RH and a photoperiod of 14:10 (L:D) h. The treatments with acetamiprid + oil, pyripropoxyfen + oil, chlorpyrifos + oil and palazin + oil had the highest mortality on first nymphal instar of the scale. The longest incubation period of C. montrouzieri was in chlorpyrifos treatment (8.13 days), and the shortest was in control (4.80 days). Moreover, among treatments the female longevity of C. montrouzieri was the longest in control (96.60 days), and shortest in chlorpyrifos treatment (53.50 days). Chlorpyriphos and acetamipirid caused the highest reduction in alpha-esterase and glutathion-S-transferase activities of the third larval instar of C. montrouzieri, respectively. Also, palizin had less negative effect on the activity of beta-esterase in comparison with other tested insecticides. The results of this study indicated that among tested compounds, palizin in combination with the oil is a suitable compound to control of the orange pulvinaria scale.

Citrus tristeza virus (CTV), the causal agent of the most important viral disease of citrus, is transmitted by infected reproductive materials and several aphid species. Tristeza has been reported from the north and south of Iran and Aphis gossypii has been known as the vector of Tristeza. Detection of the virus in the vectors has been before carried out based on biology, serology and electron microscopy. Access to rapid and sensitive molecular techniques for epidemiological studies is the aim of the study. Reverse transcription polymerase chain (RT-PCR) and RT-nested PCR techniques were applied in the present study. The SD4-infected Mexican lime (Citrus aurantifolia) seedlings acquired from the virus collection with origin of declining trees of Sari region were used as donor host for virus transmission assays. Pure colony of A. gossypii after rearing on cucumber (Cucumis sativus) was placed on the infected seedlings. 20 seedlings were considered for biological indexing. 20 aphids were placed carefully on healthy Mexican lime seedlings by brush. The acquisition and transmission feeding time of virus were 48 hours and 20 aphids were considered for each test plant. The seedlings were transferred to the conditioned greenhouse (23/16°C, day/night). Indirect virus detection was carried out by monitoring of symptoms, direct tissue blot immuonoassay with Biorba antiserum and two step RT-PCR with RNA extracted from indicator plants using SDS-Potassium acetate method and T36CPF/T36CPR primers. In direct detection virus of aphid, RNA extracted by Trizol method and one step RT-PCR reaction using AMV Reverse Transcriptase enzyme by T36CPF/T36CPR primers were used. The final product of this reaction was introduced in the nested-PCR using T36CPF/P25R primers. RT-nested-PCR assay was applied also with PexF/PexR primers in the first stage and PinF/PinR in the second stage. Indirect virus detection in melon aphid was carried out by survey of vein clearing and vein corking symptoms in the receptor indicator plants. A total of 4 of 20 Mexican lime seedlings showed the symptoms during 3 months after aphid transmission assay. The presence of virus in these seedlings was confirmed by direct tissue blot immunoassay and RT-PCR techniques. Also a product of about 672 bp was amplified using specific primers of coat protein gene. Direct virus detection with one-step RT-PCR and RNA extracted from aphids by Trizol method using T36CPF/T36CPR primers resulted 672 bp weak bands. By performing the second stage of PCR using T36CPF/P25R primers, 362 bp specific bands were obtained. On the other hand, RT-nested PCR with PinF/PinR and PexF/PexR primers was not able to detect the virus in the infected aphids due to false positive reactions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different methods in selecting an appropriate method for detection of virus in melon aphid, the most effective vector of CTV in Iran. The detection of virus-associated targets in vectors that are capable of transmitting viruses is crucial for both the studies of viral replication and the optimization of control strategies. Biological indexing is the earliest test of detection of virus in aphids, which has the advantages and disadvantages, including the objective measurement of biological activities such as ability to transmit and reproduce based on production of symptoms, the long time required, and the specific greenhouse conditions. Although RT-PCR method has been used to detect a number of plant viruses in vectors, the detection of virus by this method is possible if extraction efficiency of RNA is increased by use of materials such as Gene Releaser and Trizol. Nevertheless, more sensitive methods are required for detection of semi-persistently and non-persistenly transmitted viruses. Detection of CTV by nested RT-PCR was directly related to appropriate primers and efficient extraction procedure. According to this study, RNA extraction using Trizol method is the most appropriate method for extracting nucleic acid from aphids, so it has been shown that detection of CTV by nested RT-PCR technique was directly related to the used extraction procedure. In this research, detection of Citrus tristeza virus in melon aphid for the first time in Iran was performed using RT-PCR and RT-nested-PCR molecular methods. The results showed that RT-nested-PCR based on the efficient extraction method and the selection of appropriate primers is a reliable technical for detection Tristeza virus in its aphid vector, A. gossypii.

Several species of aphids cause severe damage to citrus in the north of Iran. Predatory insects play an important role in biological control of the pests in citrus orchards. In this study, potential predatory insects of citrus aphids, Aphis spiraecola, A. gossypii and Toxoptera aurantii, were identified and their seasonal population dynamics on Citrus unshiu and C. sinensis were investigated during 2016-2017. Overall, four species were identified as dominant predatory insects of citrus aphids in Mazandaran province including Xanthogramma pedissequum (Syrphidae), Scymnus subvillosus, Coccinella septempunctata (Coccinellidae), and Aphidoletes aphidomyza (Cecidomyiidae). Among these species, X. pedissequum and S. subvillossus were more abundant predators in the C. sinensis and C. unshiu orchards compared to the two other species. The predatory insects were observed when means of environmental temperature was about 15-20ºC. Population fluctuations, population densities and presence periods of the predatory insects were different on the two host plants. Results of this study can be used in integrated pest management programs of citrus aphids in citrus orchards in the north of Iran.

Orange pulvinaria scale, Pulvinaria aurantii, is one of the most important pests on citrus in Iran. It causes economic damage on the citrus products, annually. The present investigation was conducted to identify different isolates of entomopathogenic fungus, Lecanicillium muscarium and it's efficiency against P. aurantii. Nine isolates of L. muscarium were collected from infected orange pulvinaria scale in west of Mazandaran and east of Guilan provinces. For evaluation of these isolates against P. aurantii, a suspension of 5×106 spore/ml was sprayed on it. In this regard, a completely randomized design with 10 treatments and 4 replications were used. The mortality percentage of each isolate on P. aurantii was calculated and the results showed that treatments had significant differences with each other. The comparison of mean treatments showed that isolates 6, 7, 8 and 9 produced the highest and isolates 2 and 5 produced the lowest mortality percentage. Thus, L. muscarium is pathogenic on P. aurantii and according to high mortality on it, could be as an effective microbial agent in reducing pest population.

Orange pulvinaria scale, Pulvinaria aurantii Ckll., is one of the most important pest on citrus in north of Iran. At present, the farmers use chemical control methods to prevent crop losses by the pest. Using effective natural enemies has a special importance in controlling of this pest. The present investigation was conducted to determine the efficacy of coccinelid beetle, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Muls. (Col.: Coccinellidae), and it's releasing time against orange pulvinaria scale in screen house and citrus orchard. The treatments were conducted in three different experiments with a completely randomized design. The result revealed that the feeding rate of adult coccinelid beetle (each pair) from ovisac of orange pulvinaria scale was 35 in a month. The result indicated that the best treatment in these experiments was twice ladybird beetle releases (one pair in the beginning of oviposition and another in the peak of egg sacs) in controlling the population of this pest.

Armored scale, Pseudaulacaspis pentagona, is the most important pest on kiwifruit in the North of Iran.The aim of this project was theprecise usage ofwinter oil spray and pesticides for control the pest with minimum side effect on its parasitoeid (Prospaltella berlesei). For evaluating of emulsified oils against the pest in the winter the following treatments were used: emulsified oil at rate of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, Chlorpyrifos 0.15% + emulsified oil 1% and control (only water). In addition, the effect of Pyriproxyfen, Buprofezin and Chlorpyrifos at rate of 0.05, 0.05 and 0.15 % respectively in comparison with control were sprayed on crawlers of P. pentagona in the spring. The mortality percentage of pest and its parasitoide was evaluated. The results indicated that, Chlorpyrifos 0.15% + emulsified oil 1% and emulsified oil 2% caused the most mortality in over wintering generation of pest and its parasitoid too.Also, spring application of Chlorpyrifos 0.15% caused the most mortality in crawlers and parasitoid while Pyriproxyfen and Buprofezin had reliable effect on pest with moderate effect on its parasitoid and can use instead of organophosphate pesticides.

Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a polyphagus pest worldwide. It causes severe damage to numerous economically important crops. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to evaluate genetic variation among different populations of Aphis gossypii in some parts of North of Iran. DNA was extracted from individual aphids collected from (3 regions in western Mazandaran and 4 regions in eastern Guilan provinces, North of Iran) and amplified in PCR reactions using eighteen random primers. Random primers produced 275 polymorphic bands, an average of 15.277 informative markers per primer. Genetic identity and distance obtained using Nei’s index (0.824, 0.193 respectively), show a high genetic similarity and a low genetic distance among winged and the wingless groups. Moreover, data analysis revealed a significant genetic diversity within wingless individual aphids rather than winged ones. Individuals were clustered using UPGMA method and Jacard similarity index. They were grouped in five main groups while wingless and winged individuals were distributed in different groups.

Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wied.) is one of the most destructive pests in the world. This pest is an internal and external quarantine pest in Iran which was seen again after 20 years in Mazandaran province. Accurate survey is the first step for its management. This survey was carried out along 150 km of Caspian Sea coast during 2008-2012 at citrus orchards from east of Guilan (Chaboksar, Kelachay, Rudsar and Langerud) to west of Mazandaran (Ramsar, Tonekabon and Chaloos) provinces. McPhail traps baited with Ceratap attractant and Jackson traps baited with trimedlure were used to monitor the population dynamics in citrus orchards. The traps were checked weekly and number of flies and infested areas in each city were separately recorded. The results indicated that the fly was active in Tonekabon and Chaloos in 2008 and Ramsar in 2009 in the east part of Mazandaran province. In 2010, it was captured from Chaboksar and in 2011 with a drastic movement was distributed in entire parts of eastern Guilan province. Study on pest population density showed that the fly density in Tonekabon and Chaloos which were previously infected was higher in Rudsar and Langerud. The population dynamics of the Mediterranean fruit fly showed a single peak in the autumn of each year.

Cottony cushion scale، Icerya purchasi Maskell is one of the most important pests of citrus orchards in Mazandaran province and the east of Guilan province. The biology and dynamism of this pest was studied in orange trees، Citrus sinensis. Samples of 10 trees (from the end of twigs) were randomly taken weekly. The results indicated that the pest has two or three generations in a year in the west of Mazandaran province. In the first two years of this study، the first nymphal instars of the first generation were emerged in the late of May and the population peak was occurred in the early of July، while in the third year the population peak was observed in the middle of June. In the first two years of this study، in the second generation، the first nymphal instars were emerged in September and the population peaks was occurred in the late of September but in the third year the population peak of second and third generation were in the middle of August and in the early of October، respectively. The average fecundity was 645±108 eggs. The eggs were hatched into crawlers in 12±2 days and development time of first and second instars were 17±4 and 20±3 days، respectively. Cottony cushion scale was hibernated as second instar nymph، third instar nymph or adult female under leaves. The cardinal lady bird، Rodalia cardinalis Mulsant were scattered in citrus orchards، especially in gardens that did not receive periodic applications of herbicides and insecticides.

Demand for organic fruits due to higher nutritional value, quality and appropriate maintenance is increasing rapidly. In this research, the effects of organic and conventional production systems on the fruit storage life of kiwifruit cultivar 'Hayward' were compared in two consecutive years. Traits such as, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), TSS/TA, fruit firmness, vitamin C, total phenol, total flavonoids and antioxidant capacity of fruits were evaluated at harvest time, 30, 60 and 90 days storage at temperatures 1±0.5ºC and relative humidity 90±5%. Results from this study showed that the weight loss in organic fruits during storage, were significantly lower than conventional systems as they kept their firmness during storage period. Vitamin C, total phenol, total flavonoids and antioxidant capacity of organic fruits at harvest and during storage were higher than conventional fruits. Total soluble solids (TSS) content at harvest time and in the end of storage was higher at conventional systems, but acidity levels in organic fruits at harvest time and storage period were higher than of conventional fruits. Overall, productions of organic fruits in addition to their high nutritional value were showed more longevity in the cold storage.

The effect of the organic, integrated and conventional methods of kiwifruit cv. 'Hayward' production on the fruit quality at its harvest time was investigated. Such traits as fruit size, firmness, Total Soluble Solids (TSS), Titratable Acidity (TA), total chlorophyll, total carotenoids, vitamin C, total phenol, flavonoid compounds (catechin, quercetin 3-glucoside and chlorogenic acid) as well as the antioxidant potential of the fruit were evaluated. The results revealed that total carotenoid, TA, TSS/TA in organically produced fruits and in comparison with the conventional and integrated treatments did not significantly differ. But the fruit firmness, TSS, total chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, total phenols, such a flavonoid type as quercetin 3-glucoside, total quercetin, chlorogenic acid, catechin as well as the antioxidant potential were higher in organically produced fruits. Total soluble solids and fruit length in the conventional and integrated management methods were significantly higher than those in the fruits organically produced. The fruits from organic treatments were somehow small and round. A negative correlation was observed between TSS and firmness, but a positive one between total flavonoid, antioxidant capacity as well as between chlorophyll and fruit firmness. Overall, the results indicated that the nutritional value and antioxidant compounds present in the fruits produced through organic farming methods stand at higher levels.

In the course of studies on population dynamics and spatial distribution of the tea cottony scale, Pulvinaria floccifera (Westwood) (Hemi.: Coccidae) in the tea gardens of Tonekabon (west of Mazandaran), in 2008-2009, infected cottony scales were found with hyphae and orange-flask shaped perithecia. They were grown separately on PCA and kept under isolated conditions and in incubator at 24-25ºC. After 10 days they were sent to Plant Protection Research Institute of Iran for further investigation. The collected pathogens were as follows: Lecanicillium muscarium (Petch Zare & Gams), Lecanicillium lecanii (Zimmerm. Zare & Gams). Lecanicillium lecanii: Colonies reach 15-25 mm in diam. in 10 days, being rather compact, yellowish white, with deep yellow reverse. Phialides which are relatively short, 11-20(-30)× 1.3-1.8 µm, aculeate and strongly tapering, are produced singly or in whorls of up to 6 directly on prostrate hyphae, or on short, more or less erect conidiophores. They are sometimes also produced secondarily on the previous phialides. Conidia are formed in heads at the apex of the phialides, typically short-ellipsoidal, 2.5 -3.5(-4.2) ×1-1.5µm, homogeneous in size and shape. Octahedral crystals are also present. Lecanicillium muscarium: Colonies reaching (14-) 25-30 mm in diam in 10 days, being rather compact, white, with cream-coloured to pale yellow (rarely yellow) or uncolored reverse. Phialides are produced directly on prostrate hyphae or on secondary branches. Secondary branches are less frequent than in L. lecanii. Phialides are generally longer than those of L. lecanii and less tapring, measuring (15-) 20-35× 1.0-1.7 µm. Conidia, are produced in globose heads, ellipsoidal to subcylindrisal, more irregular in size and shape, longer and narrower than in L. lecanii, measuring (2-)2.5-5.5(-6)×1-1.5(-1.8)µm. Octahedral crystals commonly present (IRAN 1650C). Torrubiella. cf. conferagosa: Mycelium is thin, white to cream color, covering scale insect and extending slightly beyond on the substratum, slightly tufed, pulverulent; perithecia are irregularly scattered to crowded over the scale, superficially or slightly embedded at the base in the mycelium. Asci are ovoid and cylindrical, and ascospores are filiform (IRAN 14441F).