Re-Identification of Aspergillus Subgenus Nidulantes Strains and Description of Three Unrecorded Species From Korea

Summary

Researchers in Korea re-examined 53 fungal samples from the Korean Agricultural Culture Collection to accurately identify Aspergillus species. Using genetic analysis and microscopic examination, they confirmed 14 different species, including three that were new to Korea: A. griseoaurantiacus, A. puulaauensis, and A. sublatus. These findings help scientists better understand which fungal species are present in Korea and their potential impacts on food, air quality, and human health.

Background

Aspergillus subgenus Nidulantes is the second largest subgenus of Aspergillus fungi with nine sections. Species in this group are important due to their roles in environmental quality, food spoilage, mycotoxin production, and human pathogenicity. Previous identification of strains at the Korean Agricultural Culture Collection (KACC) was based primarily on morphological features.

Objective

To re-identify 53 strains of Aspergillus subgenus Nidulantes preserved at KACC using molecular markers and morphological data, and to provide detailed descriptions of previously unrecorded species from Korea.

Results

Analysis of 53 strains confirmed 14 Aspergillus species from Korea. Eleven species were previously reported in Korea, while three species (A. griseoaurantiacus, A. puulaauensis, and A. sublatus) were newly recorded. The three unrecorded species were found to be associated with Versicolores and Nidulantes series within section Nidulantes.

Conclusion

The study extends the documented Aspergillus subgenus Nidulantes species count in Korea from 14 to 17 species. The findings improve knowledge on the distribution of Aspergillus species in Korea and may promote development of applications of various species in this subgenus.
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