Mycobiota of Selected Plants in Azerbaijan: Comparative Taxonomic and Ecolotrophic Analysis

Microscopic fungi represent a critical component of plant-associated microbiota, influencing both natural and agroecosystems through pathogenic, saprotrophic, and mutualistic interactions. The present study provides a comparative analysis of the mycobiota associated with selected plants growing under contrasting ecological conditions in Azerbaijan: medicinal plants (Urtica dioica L., Stellaria media L., and Cephalaria gigantea (Ledeb.) Bobrov) naturally occurring in the montane Gadabay region, and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivated under irrigated semi-arid conditions in the Aran Karabakh lowland. Fungal isolates were recovered using standard culture-based techniques on YGC and DG18 agar media, followed by morphological and microscopic identification. Results revealed dominance of Ascomycota (66–70%) in both plant systems, with Zygomycota comprising the remainder. Key genera identified included Aspergillus, Penicillium, Alternaria, Fusarium, Cladosporium, Mucor, and Rhizopus. Ecolotrophic assessment showed prevalence of pathogenic and saprotrophic forms, particularly in stressed tissues. The findings underscore the importance of systematic mycological monitoring for both medicinal plant safety and cotton agroecosystem health in Azerbaijan.