Phaeoacremonium species associated with Eutypa dieback and esca of grapevines in Algeria.

Algerian grapevines showing symptoms of Eutypa dieback and esca were examined for the presence of Phaeoacremonium species. Species were identified on the basis of morphological and cultural characteristics as well as DNA sequence data (β-tubulin and actin). From a total of 200 vines sampled, 61 Phaeoacremonium isolates were obtained corresponding to four different species. Pm. aleophilum was the most frequent (42 isolates), followed by Pm. parasiticum (10 isolates) and Pm. venezuelense (8 isolates). Phaeoacremonium hispanicum was also found but only once. Phaeoacremonium species were more frequently associated with Eutypa dieback than with esca symptoms. This correlates with their frequent association with sectorial brown necrosis (V-shaped necrosis).