Aspergillus Section Nigri
11.09.2025
Aspergillus Section Nigri
Context
Scientists at MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, under India’s Department of Science & Technology, discovered two new species of Aspergillus section Nigri from Western Ghats soil samples.
Key Details
- New species named Aspergillus dhakephalkarii and Aspergillus patriciawiltshireae.
- A. dhakephalkarii grows quickly, produces smooth oval spores, and orange resting sclerotia.
- A. patriciawiltshireae also grows rapidly with spiny spores and abundant sclerotia.
- Two more species, A. aculeatinus and A. brunneoviolaceus, recorded for the first time in India.
Significance
- Black aspergilli are industrially important for citric acid production, fermentation, and agriculture.
- Discovery highlights vast, hidden fungal diversity in the Western Ghats region.
- Boosts India’s contributions in fungal taxonomy, ecology, and biotechnology research.
Conclusion
This breakthrough expands understanding of fungal biodiversity in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats, supporting future industrial and agricultural biotechnologies.