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Acremonium quercivorum (Hypocreales, Sordariomycetes), a New Species from Oak (Quercus spp.) Growing in Algeria

Summary

Scientists discovered a new fungal species called Acremonium quercivorum found on declining oak trees in Algeria. This fungus was identified through a combination of microscopic examination and DNA analysis comparing it to related species. The discovery represents the first documented case of this particular Acremonium species associated with oak decline in Algeria and contributes to understanding fungal diversity in oak forest ecosystems.

Background

Acremonium is a cosmopolitan genus of filamentous fungi commonly isolated from soil and plant material, with several species recognized as opportunistic pathogens. Oak forest dieback is a significant ecological issue, and associated fungal species require characterization. This study describes a novel Acremonium species isolated from declining oak trees in Algeria.

Objective

To isolate and morphologically characterize Acremonium strains from decaying oak trees in Belazma National Park, Algeria, and to formally describe a new species using multi-locus phylogenetic analysis. The study aimed to determine the phylogenetic placement of the novel species using combined DNA sequence data.

Results

Two strains (CBS 152796 and CBS 152581) were identified as a novel species, Acremonium quercivorum, forming a distinct subclade from the sister species A. egyptiacum with 100% bootstrap support. The new species exhibited nucleotide similarities of 99% LSU, 95% ITS, 96% RPB2, and 99% TEF1 compared to A. egyptiacum. Morphologically, A. quercivorum is distinguished by thin-walled hyphae, oblong-ellipsoidal conidia rounded at the apex, and subulate phialides with thin necks.

Conclusion

Acremonium quercivorum sp. nov. is formally described as a new fungal species associated with oak dieback in Algeria. This represents the first report of Acremonium species associated with oak decline in Algeria. The integrative approach combining morphological and multi-locus molecular phylogenetic analyses effectively clarifies species-level delimitation within the genus.
  • Published in:Mycobiology,
  • Study Type:Descriptive Study - New Species Description,
  • Source: 10.1080/12298093.2025.2550068, PMID: 40904480
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