Aquatic fungi of Iraq: A review

Abstract

In this review the past and updated contributions on aquatic fungi in Iraq are provided. Up to date, 29 species of freshwater fungi (water molds) belong to the order Saprolegniales (Oomycota) were recorded and represented by four genera namely; Achlya, (11 species), Dictyuchus (6 species), Calyptralegnia (2 species) and Saprolegnia (10 species) and two species of Olpidium (Chytridiomycota). These fungi were isolated mainly from waters of Shatt Al-Arab River and its creeks in Basrah. While 33 species of marine fungi have been recorded and isolated from various submerged wood and dead plants in saline and freshwater of southern Iraq. Literatures concerning the ecological investigations on aquatic fungi in this region were also cited in this review.