Micromycetes Associated with Salicaceae Species in the Zarafshan National Nature Park
Abstract
This study presents the results of research on micromycetes associated with trees of the Salicaceae family in Zarafshan National Nature Park, Uzbekistan. Despite the ecological importance of this unique tugai ecosystem, its microscopic fungal communities remain insufficiently documented. We identified the species composition of pathogenic fungi affecting Salicaceae species, providing key baseline data for regional mycology. Tugai forests play a vital role in stabilizing riverbanks, preventing soil erosion, and maintaining microclimatic stability. Our results show that pathogenic fungi-particularly species of Melampsora and Venturia -significantly reduce photosynthetic activity, contributing to plant desiccation and ecosystem decline. Detailed micromorphological data regarding urediniospore and teliospore dimensions of Melampsora tremulae are provided as a comparative resource for fungal taxonomy. Furthermore, we found that 45-year-old saplings are particularly vulnerable to rust infections, offering practical guidance for national park managers and forestry departments to design nursery protection and sanitation measures. Overall, this research fills crucial mycological gaps in Uzbekistan’s flora and aids in establishing scientific monitoring systems for biodiversity conservation.