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Updated: May 21, 2026

Sexual Crosses with the Mucoromycete Phycomyces blakesleeanus
Published on: June 6, 2025
Molecular systematics in the genus Mucor with special regards to species encountered in cheese
Antoine Hermet1, Delphine Méheust, Jérôme Mounier
1Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Ecologie Microbienne (EA3882), IFR148 ScInBioS, Université Européenne de Bretagne, Université de Brest, ESMISAB, Technopôle de Brest Iroise, 29280 Plouzané, France.
Abstract:
The genus Mucor, a member of the order Mucorales, comprises different species encountered in cheeses. Although fungi play a fundamental role in cheese manufacturing and ripening, the taxonomy of many fungal species found in cheese is poorly defined; indeed, this is the case for Mucor spp. In the present study, we assessed the phylogenetic relationships among 70 Mucor strains, including 36 cheese isolates, by using a five gene phylogenetic approach combined with morphological analyses. Overall, at least six species of Mucor were identified among the cheese isolates including a possible new taxon. The present study also suggests that the genus Mucor comprises undescribed taxa and needs to be properly defined.
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