First report of Apiognomonia errabunda on Quercus ilex in Algeria

Abstract

Abstract Anthracnose of holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) was studied in several sites located in Belezma National Park (Eastern Algeria). Disease severity varied according to the site, but symptoms were particularly frequent on leaves supported by south-facing twigs. Leaves inserted on the distal part of twigs were more affected by anthracnose regardless of twigs’ position on trees. The fungal isolates obtained from damaged tissues were sorted to five morphotypes and identified as Apiognomonia errabunda based on morphological characteristics and ITS sequencing. This is the first record of the occurrence of the fungus Apiognomonia errabunda on Quercus ilex in Algeria. Particular climatic conditions marked by late spring rains followed by high temperatures may play a key role in the increased leaf vulnerability of Q. ilex to infection.