New Aspergillus Species Discovered

In September 2025, researchers identified two novel species of Aspergillus section Nigri—Aspergillus dhakephalkarii and Aspergillus patriciawiltshireae—from soil samples collected in the Western Ghats.

Key Points

  • First Indian Records: The study also reports the first geographic record of A. aculeatinus and A. brunneoviolaceus in India.
  • Scientific Significance: Black aspergilli are industrially important fungi used in citric acid production, fermentation, food mycology, agriculture, and biotechnological applications. This discovery enhances understanding of fungal biodiversity in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats.
  • Species Characteristics:
    • A. dhakephalkarii shows rapid colony growth, pale to dark brown conidia, yellowish sclerotia, uniseriate conidiophores branching into 2–3 columns, and smooth-walled ellipsoidal conidia.
    • A. patriciawiltshireae ....
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Ecology & Environment