New Aspergillus Species Discovered in Western Ghats
Recent research by the MACS-Agharkar Research Institute in Pune has identified two new species of black aspergilli fungi in the Western Ghats. These species are named Aspergillus dhakephalkarii and Aspergillus patriciawiltshireae. The study also recorded for the first time in India two other black aspergilli species, A. aculeatinus and A. brunneoviolaceus. This discovery marks the rich fungal diversity of the Western Ghats, an ecologically sensitive and scientifically important hotspot.
Aspergillus Section Nigri
Aspergillus section Nigri, commonly called black aspergilli, includes fungi with wide ecological and industrial roles. They are crucial in citric acid production, food fermentation, and agriculture. Despite their importance, detailed studies on this group from the Western Ghats have been limited until now.
Research Methodology and Taxonomic Approach
The team used a polyphasic taxonomic approach integrating morphology and molecular phylogeny. They analysed multiple genes including ITS, CaM, BenA, and RPB2. Maximum likelihood phylogenetic methods confirmed the distinctness of the new species. This rigorous method is considered the gold standard for fungal identification worldwide.
Characteristics of Aspergillus dhakephalkarii
A. dhakephalkarii grows rapidly with pale to dark brown spores and yellowish sclerotia. Its conidiophores are uniseriate with two to three branches. The conidia are smooth and ellipsoidal, differing from related species that have spiny spherical conidia.
Characteristics of Aspergillus patriciawiltshireae
This species also shows fast growth and produces abundant yellowish-orange sclerotia. It has modest spore formation and echinulate (spiny) conidia. Its conidiophores branch into more than five columns. It produces acid on specific growth media.
Phylogenetic Relationships
Phylogenetic trees place A. dhakephalkarii close to A. saccharolyticus. A. patriciawiltshireae is related to A. indologenus, A. japonicus, and A. uvarum in the Japonici series. These relationships help clarify evolutionary links within black aspergilli.
First Indian Records of Other Species
The study also documented A. aculeatinus and A. brunneoviolaceus for the first time in India. This expands knowledge about the distribution of black aspergilli species in the region.
Broader Impact and Future Directions
This research is the first by an Indian team to apply advanced integrative taxonomy on Aspergillus. It puts stress on the Western Ghats as a reservoir of unique fungal species. Continued exploration and conservation of this biodiversity hotspot are vital for science and biotechnology.
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