Aspergillus Fungi: New Species from the Western Ghats
Why in the news
Scientists from a DST institute in Pune announced fresh finds of black aspergilli from the Western Ghats, including two species new to science.
Key facts
- Institute: MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, under the Department of Science and Technology.
- Find: two new species plus first Indian records of two others.
- Group: Aspergillus section Nigri.
The two new species
| Species | Traits |
|---|---|
| Aspergillus dhakephalkarii | Rapid growth, brown spores, orange sclerotia; spores smooth and oval, unlike the spiny spores of other species |
| Aspergillus patriciawiltshireae | Fast growth, abundant sclerotia, moderate spore output; spiny spores with branching structures that split into many columns |
About black aspergilli
- Common in soil and on plants.
- Uses: citric acid production, fermentation, the food industry and soil nutrient support.
- Nicknamed workhorses of biotechnology for their wide usefulness.
Exam angle
- Region of discovery: Western Ghats.
- Parent department: DST.
- Group name: Aspergillus section Nigri (black aspergilli).