Aspergillus from Different Habitats and Their Industrial Applications

Abstract

Genus Aspergillus has been considered one of the most important general fungi, since its discovery in 1729 by Pier Antonio Micheli; genus Aspergillus comprises a group of more than 340 species distributed in different habitats and environments. Most of the Aspergillus are terricolous, which play an important role in the decomposition of organic matter; also they are considered as plant pathogens and human pathogens. Regardless of the pathogenic role of Aspergillus species it shows an important role in the pharmaceutical, agricultural, food, and medical industries. Due to the high biodiversity and importance of genus Aspergillus it would have a great significant effect on the ecosystem; several trials have been carried out to study the taxonomy and importance of genus Aspergillus. This chapter draws an image about the biodiversity of genus Aspergillus in different habitats, plants, and human pathogens and industrial applications.