Indian Scientists Identify Two New Aspergillus Species from the Western Ghats
Researchers from the MACS-Agharkar Research Institute in Pune have made a significant discovery by identifying two new species of black aspergillus, named Aspergillus dhakephalkarii and Aspergillus patriciawiltshireae. This groundbreaking research also marks the first geographic record of two other black aspergilli, A. aculeatinus and A. brunneoviolaceus, found in soil samples from the Western Ghats. The findings highlight the urgent need for ongoing exploration and conservation efforts in this ecologically sensitive region, which is rich in scientific and biotechnological potential.
Significance of the Discovery
The genus *Aspergillus* includes a wide variety of filamentous fungi that play crucial roles in medicine, industry, and ecology. While many species of *Aspergillus* have been documented in the Western Ghats, there has been a lack of focused research on the *Aspergillus* section *Nigri*. This gap underscores the necessity for systematic exploration and taxonomic studies using modern techniques. The recent findings not only contribute to the understanding of fungal diversity in the region but also emphasize the ecological importance of the Western Ghats, which is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot.
The research team employed an integrative or polyphasic taxonomic approach, combining detailed morphological characterization with molecular phylogenetic analyses. This method involved the use of specific genes for identification, including ITS and CaM, as well as BenA and RPB2 for phylogenetic studies. The results revealed distinct lineages for the newly identified species, showcasing the effectiveness of advanced taxonomic techniques in uncovering hidden biodiversity.
Characteristics of the New Species
*Aspergillus dhakephalkarii* is characterized by its rapid colony growth and the production of pale to dark brown conidia, along with yellowish-white to yellowish-orange sclerotia. Its unique structure includes uniseriate conidiophores that branch into two to three columns, and it features smooth-walled, ellipsoidal conidia, setting it apart from related species that typically have spherical, echinulate conidia.
In contrast, *Aspergillus patriciawiltshireae* also demonstrates fast growth but has a different sporulation pattern. It produces abundant sclerotia on specific growth media and exhibits modest sporulation. The species is known for its acid production and the formation of yellowish-orange sclerotia. Its uniseriate conidiophores branch into more than five columns, and it features echinulate conidia, further distinguishing it from other species within the *Nigri* section.
Research Methodology and Collaboration
The research was initiated by Dr. Rajesh Kumar K. C. at the National Fungal Culture Collection of India, with support from the MACS Agharkar Research Institute. The study was part of an ANRF project and represents the first comprehensive investigation of *Aspergillus* species by an Indian research team using advanced taxonomic methods. The collaboration among researchers Harikrishnan K., Rajesh Kumar K. C., and Ravindra M. Patil has led to a significant advancement in the understanding of mycology in the Western Ghats.
Phylogenetic analyses positioned *A. dhakephalkarii* as a sister species to *A. saccharolyticus*, while *A. patriciawiltshireae* was found to be closely related to *A. indologenus*, *A. japonicus*, and *A. uvarum*. Additionally, the study provides the first records of *A. aculeatinus* and *A. brunneoviolaceus* in India, further enriching the country’s mycological database.
The findings not only enhance the scientific community’s understanding of fungal diversity but also underscore the Western Ghats’ status as a largely untapped reservoir of unique and ecologically significant fungal species. This research paves the way for future studies aimed at exploring the vast biodiversity of this critical ecological region.
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