Discovery of New Aspergillus Species
New Fungal Discoveries in Western Ghats: Scientists from the MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, Pune have identified two new species of black aspergilli fungi from the Western Ghats. The species are named Aspergillus dhakephalkarii and Aspergillus patriciawiltshireae. Alongside these, the researchers also recorded two other species, A. aculeatinus and A. brunneoviolaceus, for the first time in India.
This finding underlines the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the eight “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity.
Static GK fact: The Western Ghats stretch across 1,600 km covering Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Significance of Black Aspergilli
The newly recorded species belong to Aspergillus section Nigri, commonly known as black aspergilli. These fungi are crucial in citric acid production, food fermentation, and agriculture. Despite their importance, detailed studies on them from India were scarce until this breakthrough.
Static GK fact: The genus Aspergillus was first described in 1729 by Italian priest-biologist Pier Antonio Micheli.
Taxonomic Approach Used
The researchers applied a polyphasic taxonomic method that combined morphology and molecular phylogeny. Genes such as ITS, CaM, BenA, and RPB2 were analyzed. Maximum likelihood phylogenetic methods confirmed the uniqueness of the new species. This integrative approach is globally accepted as the gold standard in fungal classification.
Features of Aspergillus dhakephalkarii
- dhakephalkarii shows rapid growth with pale to dark brown spores and yellowish sclerotia. Its conidiophores are uniseriate with two to three branches, and its ellipsoidal conidia are smooth, unlike related species with spiny conidia.
Features of Aspergillus patriciawiltshireae
- patriciawiltshireae produces abundant yellowish-orange sclerotia with spiny echinulate conidia. Its conidiophores branch into more than five columns and it generates acid in specific media, highlighting its unique biochemical potential.
Phylogenetic Position
Phylogenetic analysis placed A. dhakephalkarii close to A. saccharolyticus, while A. patriciawiltshireae is linked to A. indologenus, A. japonicus, and A. uvarum. These relationships help clarify evolutionary patterns within black aspergilli.
First Indian Records of Other Species
For the first time, A. aculeatinus and A. brunneoviolaceus have been reported in India. Their presence broadens the distribution map of black aspergilli and adds to fungal records in the country.
Importance of Biodiversity Studies
This marks the first Indian study applying advanced integrative taxonomy on Aspergillus. It reinforces the Western Ghats’ role as a biodiversity hotspot and highlights the need for continued exploration and conservation. Such findings also carry potential for biotechnological and industrial applications.
Static GK Tip: India is ranked 8th in the world for species richness and is one of the 17 megadiverse countries recognized by Conservation International.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
New Fungal Discoveries in Western Ghats:
| Topic | Detail |
| Research Institute | MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, Pune |
| New species identified | Aspergillus dhakephalkarii, Aspergillus patriciawiltshireae |
| First records in India | Aspergillus aculeatinus, Aspergillus brunneoviolaceus |
| Taxonomic method | Polyphasic approach with morphology and molecular phylogeny |
| Genes analyzed | ITS, CaM, BenA, RPB2 |
| Close relatives | A. dhakephalkarii with A. saccharolyticus, A. patriciawiltshireae with A. indologenus group |
| Western Ghats status | UNESCO World Heritage Site, biodiversity hotspot |
| Industrial role of black aspergilli | Citric acid production, fermentation, agriculture |
| Global significance | Gold standard fungal identification using molecular phylogeny |
| Indian biodiversity rank | 8th globally, part of 17 megadiverse countries |
