Trunk diseases are potential threats for almond productivity and longevity worldwide, including Iran. In a recent survey on fungal species associated with trunk diseases of almonds in north‐western Iran, Collophora isolates (tentatively identified as Collophora hispanica) were recovered with high frequency from wood samples with internal necrosis and brown to black vascular streaking of almond trees showing symptoms of decline. However, the pathogenic potential of Collophora isolates on almond trees in Iran remains unproven. In this study, the identity of the isolates was further confirmed as C. hispanica based on a combination of morphological data and sequence data of ITS‐rDNA region, and pathogenicity of C. hispanica isolates on almond was evaluated using excised shoot method and in greenhouse experiments. Collophora hispanica isolates induced lesions statistically different from the control, in both excised shoot method and greenhouse assays. Significant differences were observed among the isolates in the length of the lesion induced on wood. Collophora hispanica should be considered as the main trunk pathogens of almond trees in north‐western region of Iran. The distribution and host range of this new pathogen on almond remains to be studied.

(2017) Development of a recombinant camelid specific diabody against the heminecrolysin fraction of Hemiscorpius lepturus scorpion, Toxin Reviews, 36:1, 7-11, DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2016 AbstractScorpion sting is one of the most important problems in public health practice in many countries. Khuzestan yellow scorpion, scientifically known as Hemiscorpius lepturus, belongs to the family Hemiscorpidae, and is one of the most common and dangerous scorpions in Iran. Hemiscorpius lepturus scorpion has potentially cytotoxic venom. The first treatment for scorpion envenoming is horse antisera. Due to their unique characteristics, camels have been considered as an important source for antiserum and monoclonal antibody (Nanobody) production. In the previous study, we reported a specific nanobody against the hemolytic fraction (heminecrolysin) of Hemiscorpius lepturus venom. In the present study, a recombinant diabody was constructed and produced by fusion of two nanobodies. Results from in vitro and in vivo assays showed that the diabody has a promising ability to neutralize venom activity.