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Isolation and Characterization of Four Unreported Penicillium Species Isolated from the Freshwater Environments in Korea

Summary

Researchers in Korea discovered four species of Penicillium fungi that had never been reported in the country before, all isolated from freshwater environments. Using both traditional microscopic examination and modern DNA analysis, they confirmed these were new to Korea: P. contaminatum, P. jinfoshanicum, P. xuanhanense, and P. soppii. These findings suggest that Korean freshwater environments contain more fungal diversity than previously documented and may be important sources for studying fungi with potential medical and industrial applications.

Background

The genus Penicillium is a widely recognized fungal genus found across diverse environments including soil, plants, air, and freshwater. Recent phylogenetic classification has reorganized Penicillium into two subgenera, 32 sections, and 89 series. In Korea, native Penicillium species are being reclassified according to modern molecular standards.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the diversity of Penicillium strains from freshwater environments and nearby substrates in Korea. Eleven fungal strains were isolated and identified as previously unreported species using morphological and phylogenetic analyses.

Results

Four previously unreported Penicillium species were identified in Korea: P. contaminatum, P. jinfoshanicum, P. xuanhanense, and P. soppii. Phylogenetic analysis with bootstrap support values of 100% confirmed distinct clustering of isolates with their respective reference strains. Each species exhibited characteristic morphological features including different conidiophore arrangements and pigmentation patterns.

Conclusion

This study represents the first report of these four Penicillium species in Korea, enhancing taxonomic understanding of Korean fungal diversity. The findings suggest that freshwater environments may harbor significant fungal diversity and warrant further investigation of their pathogenicity and bioactive properties.
  • Published in:Mycobiology,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic/Descriptive Study,
  • Source: 10.1080/12298093.2025.2473141, PMID: 40099230
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