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Two new species of Penicillium (Eurotiales, Aspergillaceae) from China based on morphological and molecular analyses

Summary

Scientists in China discovered and formally described two new species of Penicillium fungi: P. lentum and P. tibetense. These fungi were identified using a combination of physical characteristics and genetic analysis. P. lentum grows slowly with dense colonies and produces a specific branching pattern, while P. tibetense grows rapidly with a different branching structure. This discovery adds to our understanding of fungal diversity in China and demonstrates the importance of using modern molecular methods alongside traditional microscopy in identifying new fungal species.

Background

Penicillium is a large genus of fungi with widespread distribution across diverse substrates including soil, atmosphere, and food. Several species have significant applications in biotechnology, biocontrol, and food production, while others produce mycotoxins harmful to human and animal health. Ongoing taxonomic revisions have led to an annual increase in newly described species.

Objective

This study aimed to identify and characterize two new Penicillium species discovered during a comprehensive survey of Penicillium biodiversity in China. The species were identified through morphological examination and both single gene and multigene phylogenetic analyses to determine their taxonomic classification and relationships to existing species.

Results

Two new species were identified: Penicillium lentum (section Brevicompacta, series Tularensia) and Penicillium tibetense (section Lanata-Divaricata, series Rolfsiorum). P. lentum showed restricted growth with dense colonies and terverticillate conidiophores, while P. tibetense demonstrated rapid growth with biverticillate conidiophores. Both species were distinguished from their closest relatives through phylogenetic and morphological comparisons.

Conclusion

The two novel Penicillium species have been formally described with comprehensive morphological descriptions, detailed illustrations, and phylogenetic placement. This study contributes to understanding Penicillium biodiversity and distribution in China and supports the continued use of polyphasic approaches for accurate species delineation in modern fungal taxonomy.
  • Published in:MycoKeys,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Description Study,
  • Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.116.149376
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