First report of Alternaria alternata associated with seed of Asafetida (Ferula assa-foetida)

Alternaria is considered one of the most common saprophytic fungi as well as is recognized as pathogens of various plant parts including seed. In May 2020, chlorosis and blight symptoms observed on seedlings emerging from seeds of Asafetida (Ferula assa-foetida). Using the agar plate test, a total of 19 fungal isolates were isolated from seed samples collected from different Asafetida growing regions of Iran. Based on morphological and molecular characteristics, all the isolates was identified as Alternaria alternata. Pathogenicity tests were conducted and Koch’s postulates were fulfilled by re-isolation of the identified fungus. This is the first report on isolation and identification of A. alternata associated with seed of Asafetida in world.