Conidia and conidiophores of a close relative of Sarocladium strictum, Acremonium falciforme. Image by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Sarocladium strictum, or Acremonium strictum, is a widespread soil saprotroph, breaking down both plant and fungal materials. In addition to its ability to thrive as a saprotroph, Sarocladium strictum is also capable of causing disease on a variety of plant and fungal hosts, and even shows potential as a biocontrol agent under certain conditions. Sarocladium is a member of the order Hypocreales and its genome sequence will enrich our understanding of evolution in the Sordariomycetes, as well as potentially reveal new, industrially relevant compounds.