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A New Species and Five New Records of Talaromyces (Eurotiales, Aspergillaceae) Belonging to Section Talaromyces in Korea

Summary

Researchers surveying fungal diversity in Korea discovered one new species of Talaromyces fungus and confirmed five additional species previously unknown to the country. These fungi were isolated from soil, freshwater, and indoor air samples and identified using genetic analysis and visual characteristics. Many species in this fungal genus produce valuable compounds with potential medical and agricultural applications, making them important for biotechnology research.

Background

Talaromyces is a large fungal genus within Aspergillaceae known for producing diverse secondary metabolites with agricultural, medical, and pharmaceutical applications. Section Talaromyces represents the largest section containing over 87 species characterized by varied ascomata colors and yellow ascospores. Only six new Talaromyces species have previously been reported from Korea.

Objective

To survey and identify fungal diversity of Talaromyces in Korea through isolation from various environmental niches. To characterize new species and previously unrecorded species using morphological, physiological, and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses. To contribute to understanding the diversity and distribution of section Talaromyces in Korea.

Results

Five previously unrecorded Talaromyces species in Korea were identified: T. brevis, T. fusiformis, T. muroii, T. ruber, and T. soli. One new species, T. echinulatus sp. nov., was described and characterized with detailed morphological descriptions and phylogenetic placement. Phylogenetic analyses strongly supported the taxonomic classification of all identified strains.

Conclusion

The study identified one new Talaromyces species and established five new country records for Korea, expanding knowledge of section Talaromyces diversity. The isolated species represent potential sources of secondary metabolites with applications in agriculture, medicine, and pharmaceuticals. The findings provide a better understanding of Talaromyces species diversity and distribution within diverse Korean environments.
  • Published in:Mycobiology,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Survey and Description,
  • Source: 10.1080/12298093.2023.2265645, PMID: 37929009
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