New taxa in Aspergillus section Usti

Researchers have identified five new species within Aspergillus section Usti, including Aspergillus carlsbadensis from Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico. Phylogenetic analysis of sequence data revealed distinct genetic and physiological characteristics for these species, such as their inability to grow at 37 °C or the absence of acid production on CREA. The study also reclassified Fennellia monodii as Aspergillus monodii comb. nov., based on phylogenetic and physiological evidence. Species in this section were further categorized into three chemical groups based on their extrolites, with notable differences in compound production among species.

Samson, R. A., Varga, J., Meijer, M., & Frisvad, J. C. (2011). New taxa in Aspergillus section Usti. Studies in Mycology, 69, 81–97. https://doi.org/10.3114/sim.2011.69.06