Context

Recently, Indian scientists from MACS-Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science & Technology, have discovered two novel fungal species from the Aspergillus section Nigri, commonly known as black aspergilli. These species, Aspergillus dhakephalkarii and Aspergillus patriciawiltshireae, were identified from soil samples collected in the ecologically rich Western Ghats.

About Aspergillus genus:

Aspergillus is a large, widespread genus of filamentous fungi known for their asexual spore-producing structures resembling a holy water sprinkler (aspergillum).

Found in diverse environments, including soil and decaying vegetation, Aspergillus species are crucial decomposers but can also act as opportunistic pathogens, causing diseases like aspergillosis in immunocompromised individuals.

The Aspergillus genus is globally recognized for its industrial, medical, and ecological importance. Species in the section Nigri are heavily used in:

·         Citric acid production

·         Fermentation

·         Food mycology

·         Agriculture, including phosphate solubilization

About the New Species

·         Aspergillus dhakephalkarii:

o    Rapid growth, smooth-walled, ellipsoidal conidia

o    Yellowish-white to orange sclerotia

o    Uniseriate conidiophores branching into 2–3 columns

o    Closely related to A. saccharolyticus

·         Aspergillus patriciawiltshireae:

o    Fast-growing colonies with abundant sclerotia

o    Echinulate conidia

o    Branching conidiophores into 5+ columns

o    Related to A. indologenus, A. japonicus, A. uvarum

Significance of the Discovery

Biodiversity Conservation

• Reinforces the status of the Western Ghats as a global biodiversity hotspot.
• Underscores the need for continued mycological surveys and ecological research in such sensitive ecosystems.

Scientific Contribution

• Enhances India’s role in fungal taxonomy, ecology and genomics.
• Demonstrates the successful use of modern polyphasic taxonomy (combining genetic and morphological tools).

Conclusion

The identification of two new species and the first Indian record of two more in the Aspergillus section Nigri is a landmark in Indian fungal biodiversity research. It highlights the rich, yet underexplored fungal diversity of the Western Ghats and opens doors for further biotechnological and ecological studies. Continued exploration and documentation are essential to conserve, utilize, and understand the hidden microbial wealth of India’s ecosystems.