Skip to main content
Book cover

Advances in Penicillium and Aspergillus Systematics pp 195–209Cite as

Aspergillus: An Overview

  • Chapter

Part of the NATO ASI Series book series (NSSA,volume 102)

Summary

Since 1965, approximately 80 species in Aspergillus have been described as new and thousands of publications have contributed to our knowledge of biochemical and ultrastructural features. The group concept, developed in the monographs of 1926, 1945 and 1965 has been a tremendous aid in species identification. Sixteen of Raper and Fennell’s 18 groups have been validated by the contributions of the last 20 years. Only the A. ornatus and A. wentii groups appear to be heterogenous. An analysis of the Aspergilli listed in 62 recent soil surveys has revealed highest absolute and relative numbers of species in the subtropics, particularly in cultivated soils, saline soils and subtropical deciduous forest soils. In temperate regions, highest numbers of species have been reported from desert soils and certain grassland soils. Unusual species in the soils of western US intermountain basins may have evolved following early migration, then isolation and specification through the Pleistocene.

Keywords

  • Aspergillus Species
  • Grassland Soil
  • Aspergillus Nidulans
  • Desert Soil
  • CENTRAALBUREAU VOOR

These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4757-1856-0_18
  • Chapter length: 15 pages
  • Instant PDF download
  • Readable on all devices
  • Own it forever
  • Exclusive offer for individuals only
  • Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout
eBook
USD   219.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • ISBN: 978-1-4757-1856-0
  • Instant PDF download
  • Readable on all devices
  • Own it forever
  • Exclusive offer for individuals only
  • Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout
Softcover Book
USD   279.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
Hardcover Book
USD   279.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
Learn about institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • AJELLO, L. 1980. Natural habitats of the fungi that cause pulmonary mycoses. In “Medical mycology”, H.J. Preusser, ed. Stuttgart: Gustav Fischer. pp. 31 – 42.

    Google Scholar 

  • AL-MUSAl1AM, A. 1980. Revision of the black Aspergillus species. Ph-D Thesis, Utrecht.

    Google Scholar 

  • BLASER, P. 1976. Taxonomische und physiologische Untersuchungen uber die Gattung Eurotium Link ex Fr. Sydowia 28: 1 – 49.

    Google Scholar 

  • BOBBITT, T.F., NORDIN, J.H. 1978. Hyphal nigeran as a potential phylogenetic marker for Aspergillus and Penicillium species. Mycologia 70: 1201 – 1211.

    PubMed  CrossRef  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • CENTRAALBUREAU VOOR SCHIMMELCLTURES. 1978: “List of cultures. 29th Ed”. Baarn: Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures. 388 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • CHRISTENSEN, M. 1980. Species diversity and dominance in fungal communities. In”The fungal community; its organization and role in the ecosystem”, D.T. Wicklow and G.C. Carroll, eds. New York: Marcel Dekker. pp. 201–232.

    Google Scholar 

  • CHRISTENSEN, M. 1981. A synoptic key and evaluation of species in the Aspergillus flavus group. Mycologia 72: 1056 – 1084.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • CHRISTENSEN, M. 1982. The Aspergillus ochraceus group: two new species from western soils and a synoptic key. Mycologia 74: 210 – 225.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • CHRISTENSEN, M., FENNELL, D.I. and BACKUS, M.P. 1964. Aspergillus kanagawaensis and related species in Wisconsin forest soils. Mycologia 56: 354 – 362.

    Google Scholar 

  • CHRISTENSEN, M., RAPER, K.B. and STATES, J.S. 1978. Two new Aspergillus nidulans group members from Wyoming soils. Mycologia 70: 332 – 342.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • CHRISTENSEN, M. and STATES, J.S. 1982. Aspergillus nidulans group: Aspergillus navahoensis, and a revised synoptic key. Mycologia 74: 226 – 235.

    Google Scholar 

  • COMMONWEALTH MYCOLOGICAL INSTITUTE. 1982. “Catalogue of the

    Google Scholar 

  • culture collection of the Commonwealth Mycological Institute. 8th Ed”. Kew, Surrey: Commonwealth Mycological Institute.

    Google Scholar 

  • DOMSCH, K.H., GAMS, W. and ANDERSON, T.H. 1980. “Compendium of soil fungi”. London: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • DWIVEDI, R.S. 1966. Ecology of the soil fungi of some grasslands of Varanasi. II. Distribution of soil mycoflora, Tropical Ecology 7: 84–99.

    Google Scholar 

  • FENNELL, D.T. 1977. Aspergillus taxonomy. In “Genetics and Physiology of Aspergillus”, J.E. Smith and J.A. Pateman, eds. London: Academic Press. pp. 1 – 21.

    Google Scholar 

  • FLANNIGAN, B. 1969. Microflora of dried barley grain. Trans. Br. mycol. Soc.. 53: 371–379.

    Google Scholar 

  • GOCHENAUR, S.E. and WOODWELL, G.M. 1974. The soil microfungi of a chronically irradiated oak-pine forest. Ecology 55: 1004 – 1016.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • HERING, T.F. 1965. Succession of fungi in the litter of a lake District oakwood. Trans. Br. mycol. Soc. 45: 391–408.

    Google Scholar 

  • HESSELTINE, C.W., VANDEGRAFT, E.E., FENNELL, D.T., SMITH, M.L. and SHOTWELL, O.L. 1972. Aspergilli as ochratoxin producers. Mycologia 64: 539 – 550.

    PubMed  CrossRef  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • HORIE, Y. 1980. Ascospore ornamentation and its application to the taxonomic re-evaluation in Emericella. Trans. mycol. Soc. Japan 21: 483–493.

    Google Scholar 

  • HUANG, L.H. and SCHMITT, J.A. 1975. Soil microfungi of central and southern Ohio. Mycotaxon 3: 55 – 80.

    Google Scholar 

  • JEFFERYS, E.G., BRIAN, P.W., HEMMING, H.C.and LOWE, D. 1953. Antibiotic production by the microfungi of acid heath soils. J. gen.. Microbiol. 9: 314–341.

    Google Scholar 

  • KAMAL and BHARGAVA, K.S. 1972. Studies on soil fungi from teak forests of Gorakhpur. H. A contribution to Indian Aspergilli. Mycopathol. Mycol. Appl. 47: 59–72.

    Google Scholar 

  • KOZAKIEWICZ, Z. 1978. Phialide and conidium development in the Aspergilli. Trans. Br. mycol. Soc. 70: 175–186.

    Google Scholar 

  • KOZAKIEWICZ, Z. 1982. The identity and typification of Aspergillus parasiticus. Mycotaxon 15: 293 – 305.

    Google Scholar 

  • KOZLOWSKI, M and STEPIEN, P.P. 1982. Restriction enzyme analysis of mitochondrial DNA of members of the genus Aspergillus as an aid in taxonomy. J. gen. Microbiol. 128: 471–476.

    Google Scholar 

  • LACEY, J. 1974. The microbiology of hay and straw. In “Aspergillosis and Farmer’s Lung in Man and Animal”, R. de Hallar and F. Suter, eds. Hans Huber. pp. 16 – 26.

    Google Scholar 

  • LEE, J.D., DART, R.K. and STRETTON, R.J. 1977. Computerized classification of Aspergillus. Trans.Br. mycol. Soc. 69: 137–141.

    Google Scholar 

  • MALLOCH, D. and CAIN, R.F. 1972. New species and combinations of cleistothecial Ascomycetes. Can. J. Bot. 50: 61–72.

    Google Scholar 

  • MEARS, B.M Jr. 1981. Periglacial wedges and the late Pleistocene environment of Wyoming’s intermontane basins. Quaternary Res. 15: 171 – 198.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • MISHRA, R.R. 1966. Seasonal variation in fungal flora of grasslands of Varanasi (India). Tropical Ecol. 7: 100113.

    Google Scholar 

  • MUELLER, G.M. 1985. Numerical taxonomic analysis on laccaria ( Agaricales ). Mycologia 77: 121retic patterns of cellulase, pectin-lyase, and acid proteinase. Can. J. Microbiol. 20: 413 – 416.129.

    Google Scholar 

  • MUELLER-DOMBOIS, D. and PERERA, M. 1971. Ecological differentiation and soil fungal distribution in the montane grasslands of Ceylon. Ceylon J. Sci. 9: 1retic patterns of cellulase, pectin-lyase, and acid proteinase. Can. J. Microbiol. 20: 413 – 416.41

    Google Scholar 

  • MURAKAMI, H. 1971. Classification of the koji mold. J. gen. appl. Microbiol., Tokyo 17: 281retic patterns of cellulase, pectin-lyase, and acid proteinase. Can. J. Microbiol. 20: 413 – 416.309.

    Google Scholar 

  • MURAKAMI, H., HAYASHI, K and USHIJIMA, S. 1982. Useful key characters separating three Aspergillus taxa: A. sojae, A. parasiticus, and A. toxicarius. J. gen. appl. Microbiol. 28: 55retic patterns of cellulase, pectin-lyase, and acid proteinase. Can. J. Microbiol. 20: 413 – 416.60.

    Google Scholar 

  • NASUNO, S. 1974. Further evidence on differentiation of Aspergillussojae from Aspergillusoryzae by electrophoretic patterns of cellulase, pectin-lyase, and acid proteinase. Can. J. Microbiol. 20: 413 – 416.

    Google Scholar 

  • NEALSON, K.H. and GARBER, E.D. 1967. An electrophoretic survey of esterases, phosphatases, and leucine aminopeptidases in mycelial extracts of species of Aspergillus. Mycologia 59: 330 – 336.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • RAI, J.N., AGARWAL, S.C. and Tewari, J.P. 1971. Fungal micro-flora of ‘Usar’ soils of India. J. Indian bot. Soc. 50: 63–74.

    Google Scholar 

  • RAI, J.N., TEWARI, J.P. and AGARWAL, S.C. 1974. The genus Aspergillus in India. In “Lower Plants of the Indian Subcontinent. Beih. Nova Hedwigia 47: 487–499.

    Google Scholar 

  • RAJENDRAN, C. and MUTHAPPA, B.N. 1980. Saitoa, a new genus of Plectomycetes. Proc. Indian Acad. Sci. ( Plant Sci. ) 89: 185–191.

    Google Scholar 

  • RANZONI, F.V. 1968. Fungi isolated in culture from soils of the Sonoran desert. Mycologia 60: 356 – 371.

    PubMed  CrossRef  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • RAPER, K.B. and FENNELL, D.I. 1965. “The genus Aspergillus” Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins.

    Google Scholar 

  • SAMSON,.A. 1979. A compilation of the Aspergilli described since 1965. Stud. Mycol. 18: 1 – 38.

    Google Scholar 

  • SAMSON, R.A. and MOUCHACCA, J. 1974. Some interesting species of Emericella and Aspergillus from Egyptian desert soil. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 40: 121 – 131.

    PubMed  CrossRef  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • SEIFERT, R.M. 1982. Identification of some volatile constituents of Aspergillus clavatus. J. agric. Food Chem. 30: 786–790.

    Google Scholar 

  • SHEARD, J.W. 1978. The taxonomy of the Ramalina siliquosa species aggregate (lichenized Ascomycetes). Can. J. Bot. 56: 915–938.

    Google Scholar 

  • SMITH, J.E. and PATEMAN, J.A., Eds. 1977 “Genetics and physiology of Aspergillus”. London: Academic Press. 552 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • SODERSTROM, B. and FRISVAD, J.C. 1984. Separation of closely related asymmetric Penicillia by pyrolysis gas chromatography and mycotoxin production. Mycologia 76: 408 – 419.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • STATES, J. 1978. Soil fungi of cool-desert plant communities in northern Arizona and southern Utah. J. Arizona-Nevada Acad. Sci. 13: 13–17.

    Google Scholar 

  • STRETTON, R.J., CAMPBELL, M. and BURNS, T.D. 1976. Pyrolysis gas chromatography as an aid to the identification of Aspergillus species. J. Chromatog. 129: 321 – 328.

    CrossRef  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • SUBRAMANIAN, C.V. 1972. The perfect states of Aspergillus. Current Sci. 42: 755 – 761.

    Google Scholar 

  • TEWARI, J.P. 1985. A new indeterminate stromatal type in Petromyces. Mycologia 77: 114 – 120.

    CrossRef  Google Scholar 

  • THOM, C. and CHURCH; M.B. 1926. “The Aspergilli” Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins.

    Google Scholar 

  • THOM, C. and RAPER, K.B. 1945. “A Manual of the Aspergilli”. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins.

    Google Scholar 

  • TOKUNAGA, M., TOKUNAGA, J. and HARADA, K. 1973. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy of sterigma and conidiospore formation in Aspergillus group. J. Electron Microscopy 22: 27–38.

    Google Scholar 

  • TUTHILL, D.E. and CHRISTENSEN; M. 1985. Aspergillussepultus, a new species in the Aspergillusochraceus group. Mycologia 77 (in press).

    Google Scholar 

  • USHIJIMA, S., HAYASHI, K. and MURAKAMI, H. 1982. The current taxonomic status of Aspergillus sojae used in shoyu fermentation. Agric. Biol. Chem. 46: 2365–2367.

    Google Scholar 

  • YUASA, K., HAYASHI, K. and MIZUNUMA, T. 1982. A new criterion by which to distingish Aspergillus sojae, a koji-mold, from related taxa producing echinulate conidia. Agric. Biol. Chem. 46: 1683. 1686.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA

    Martha Christensen & Dorothy E. Tuthill

Authors
  1. Martha Christensen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Dorothy E. Tuthill
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures, Baarn, The Netherlands

    Robert A. Samson

  2. CSIRO Division of Food Research, North Ryde, NSW, Australia

    John I. Pitt

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

Copyright information

© 1986 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Christensen, M., Tuthill, D.E. (1986). Aspergillus: An Overview. In: Samson, R.A., Pitt, J.I. (eds) Advances in Penicillium and Aspergillus Systematics. NATO ASI Series, vol 102. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-1856-0_18

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-1856-0_18

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-3204-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4757-1856-0

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive