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Context:
Indian scientists from MACS–Agharkar Research Institute (Pune), under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), have discovered two new species of Aspergillus section Nigri in the Western Ghats, along with the first reports of two other species in India.
About Aspergillus Section Nigri
- Commonly called black aspergilli.
- Widely found in soil and plants.
- Industrial and agricultural uses: citric acid production, fermentation, food industry, soil nutrient support.
- Known as “workhorses of biotechnology” due to their versatile applications.
Newly Identified Species
- Aspergillus dhakephalkarii
- Location: Western Ghats.
- Features: Rapid growth, brown spores, orange sclerotia.
- Spores: Smooth and oval-shaped (distinct from spiny spores in other species).
- Aspergillus patriciawiltshireae
- Location: Western Ghats.
- Features: Fast-growing, abundant sclerotia, moderate spore production.
- Spores: Spiny with branching structures splitting into many columns.