Why in news?
Researchers at MACS-Agharkar Research Institute (Pune), under the Department of Science & Technology, identified two novel species: Aspergillus dhakephalkarii and Aspergillus patriciawiltshireae. 
These findings highlight the Western Ghats as an ecologically rich, yet largely unexplored, reservoir of fungal diversity with immense industrial and biotech potential.
 
About Aspergillus section Nigri

• Aspergillus section Nigri refers to a group of filamentous fungi noted for their black spores and diverse ecological and industrial roles.

Key Features:
Taxonomy

• Aspergillus section Nigri is a subgroup within the genus Aspergillus.
• Members are commonly called black aspergilli due to black-pigmented conidia (spores).
• Includes important species such as Aspergillus niger, A. tubingensis, A. carbonarius, etc..

Morphology

• Colonies typically appear black due to pigmented spores.
• Filamentous structure; produce conidial heads that are radial (uni/biseriate).
• Microscopically, vesicles are globose; conidia are rough-textured and dark.

Ecology and Distribution

• Widely found in soil, decaying organic matter, and on plants.
• Can contaminate food products such as onions, grapes, peanuts, maize.

Industrial Significance

• Used extensively in fermentation and biotechnology (e.g., citric acid production).
• Known for metabolic diversity and high yield in enzyme and acid production.

Health and Safety

• Causes food spoilage and post-harvest decay, especially of fruits and vegetables.
• Certain species produce mycotoxins (such as ochratoxin A and fumonisins), which can be harmful.
• Some can cause opportunistic infections, mostly in immunocompromised individuals (aspergillosis, otomycosis).

Download Pdf