Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 5, 2026

Author Spotlight: Evaluation of Entomopathogenic Fungi in Wild Monochamus alternatus Populations for Biocontrol Applications in Forest Wood Borers
06:58

Author Spotlight: Evaluation of Entomopathogenic Fungi in Wild Monochamus alternatus Populations for Biocontrol Applications in Forest Wood Borers

Published on: September 29, 2023

1.6K

Taxonomic re-evaluation of black koji molds

Seung-Beom Hong1, Osamu Yamada, Robert A Samson

  • 1Korean Agricultural Culture Collection, Agricultural Microbiology Division, National Academy of Agricultural Science, RDA, Suwon, 441-707, South Korea, funguy@korea.kr.

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
|November 28, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Black koji molds are crucial for shochu production due to citric acid. Modern taxonomy using gene sequencing clarifies their classification into three main species: Aspergillus luchuensis, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus tubingensis.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Food Microbiology
  • Industrial Biotechnology

Background:

  • Black koji molds, including white koji mold, are vital in Northeast Asian shochu production for their citric acid production, preventing bacterial contamination.
  • Historical fungal classifications of black koji molds were unclear due to species similarities, hindering accurate differentiation.
  • Recent advancements in multi-locus sequence typing offer a more precise method for fungal taxonomy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To clarify the taxonomy of black koji molds using modern molecular techniques.
  • To resolve the historical confusion surrounding the classification of various black koji mold species.
  • To establish a clear taxonomic system for Aspergillus species used in shochu fermentation.

Main Methods:

  • Multi-locus sequence typing utilizing beta-tubulin and calmodulin gene sequences.
  • Comparative analysis of genetic data to differentiate between closely related Aspergillus species.
  • Review of historical mycological records and taxonomic literature.

Main Results:

  • Black koji molds are classified into three distinct species: Aspergillus luchuensis, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus tubingensis, based on gene sequences.
  • Several previously reported species, including Aspergillus awamori and Aspergillus kawachii, are identified as synonyms of A. luchuensis.
  • Other historical names like Aspergillus batatae and Aspergillus saitoi are recognized as synonyms of A. niger and A. tubingensis, respectively.

Conclusions:

  • Modern gene sequencing provides a robust method for classifying black koji molds, resolving long-standing taxonomic ambiguities.
  • The established classification into A. luchuensis, A. niger, and A. tubingensis simplifies understanding and application in industries like shochu production.
  • Recognizing synonyms aids in standardizing nomenclature and facilitates further research into the industrial applications of these fungi.

More Related Videos

Quantification of Fungal Colonization, Sporogenesis, and Production of Mycotoxins Using Kernel Bioassays10:01

Quantification of Fungal Colonization, Sporogenesis, and Production of Mycotoxins Using Kernel Bioassays

Published on: April 23, 2012

17.8K
A Contrast of Three Inoculation Techniques used to Determine the Race of Unknown Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. niveum Isolates11:48

A Contrast of Three Inoculation Techniques used to Determine the Race of Unknown Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. niveum Isolates

Published on: October 28, 2021

3.2K

Related Concept Videos

Fungal Group Zygomycota01:29

Fungal Group Zygomycota

Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
2.1K
Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota01:26

Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota

Basidiomycota is a diverse phylum of fungi that includes ecologically significant decomposers such as white rot fungi, symbionts like mycorrhizal fungi, plant pathogens such as rusts and smuts, and edible species like Agaricus bisporus (the common button mushroom). These fungi play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, symbiotic relationships, and even human health. Their defining feature is the basidium, a microscopic club-shaped structure responsible for producing basidiospores.Fruiting Bodies...
2.1K
Overview of Fungi01:29

Overview of Fungi

Fungi are a diverse group of eukaryotes more closely related to animals than other eukaryotes. Fungal cell walls comprise chitin, a polysaccharide that provides structural strength, and glucans, which contribute to flexibility and integrity. Other polysaccharides, such as mannans and galactosans, may supplement or replace chitin in some fungi. These adaptations, along with their preference for acidic environments and tolerance for high osmotic pressure, enable fungi to thrive in various...
2.4K
Fungal Phylum Ascomycota01:28

Fungal Phylum Ascomycota

Phylum Ascomycota, a major division within the subkingdom Dikarya, comprises a diverse range of fungal species, including both unicellular yeasts and filamentous molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi thrive in a variety of habitats, from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial environments, playing crucial ecological and economic roles.Morphology and ReproductionThe defining characteristic of Ascomycetes, commonly referred to as sac fungi, is the ascus—a sac-like structure that...
2.4K
Modern Molecular Taxonomy01:29

Modern Molecular Taxonomy

Advancements in molecular biology have revolutionized the identification and characterization of bacteria, with multiple methods leveraging DNA sequencing for enhanced precision. As sequencing technologies improve and costs decline, these approaches are increasingly used in clinical, environmental, and evolutionary studies.Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) examines several housekeeping genes, essential chromosomal genes encoding cellular functions, to distinguish strains. Approximately...
865
Microbial Classification System01:24

Microbial Classification System

Classification is the process of organizing organisms into hierarchically inclusive groups based on their phenotypic similarities or evolutionary relationships. A species comprises one or more strains, and closely related species are grouped into genera. Genera are further classified into families, families into orders, orders into classes, and so forth, up to the domain level, which is the broadest taxonomic rank derived from a combination of phenotypic and genotypic data.The nomenclature of...
1.8K