Possible ID: Aspergillus sp.
Classification:
Phylum: Ascomycota
Class: Eurotiomycetes
Order: Eurotiales
Family: Trichocomaceae
Genus: Aspergillus
Isolation and culturing methods:
Isolated from soil that was collected near senior apartment #4 on February 25th of 2018. A small amount of the soil sample was serially diluted with water and placed on several malt extract agar plates. After being stored at room temperature for a week, hyphae from serial dilution C were transferred onto two new MEA plates in order to ensure that a pure culture would be obtained.
Culture appearance and growth:
Fungal species was a somewhat blueish-green fungus that grew relatively quickly, almost covering the plate within two weeks. Fungus had a fuzzy, carpet like texture. Hyphae were septate with no clamp connections and were around 3-5 μm wide.
Growth after 2 weeks: Growth after 1 month:
Spore production:
Conidiophores were dark and spherical, or globose, in shape. These structures produced conidia that were also globose in shape and measured around 3 μm in diameter. While producing a dark outline when clumped together, these asexual spores were clear with a slightly greenish tint to them when they were alone.
*Microscopic images were taken at 400x, and the screenshot of the first image was taken for emphasis on septa and conidiospores.
Collector: Tommy Brouse Group: Andriana, Tommy, AJ