Importance of eutypa dieback and esca in Algeria and structure of the associated fungal community

Abstract

A preliminary survey performed in Algeria in 2003, revealed high percentages of dead vines and of vines affected by either Eutypa dieback or esca. Eutypa dieback appeared more frequent than esca. Cross sections revealed differents types of lesions whose frequency did not correlate with external symptoms. The main lesions were : black spots corresponding to plugged vessels, a central brown hard or soft lesion, a white rot lesion (amadou) and a sectorial brown hard lesion. The most frequent fungi isolated from the lesions were Phaeomoniella chlamydospora, Phaeoacremonium aleophilum, Botryosphaeria spp., Fomitiporia mediterranea, Phomopsis viticola and Eutypa lata. Several types of lesions and several fungi were encountered in the same vine. The association of fungi with lesions and their role in the functioning of the fungal community are discussed.