MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION AND A NEW RECORD OF GENUS CUNNINGHAMELLA (MUCORALES) FROM PAKISTAN

Abstract

In this study, two species of industrially important and pathogenic zygomycete genus Cunninghamella, C. bertholletiae and C. echinulata, have been described, illustrated, identified on morphological details. One species, C. bertholletiae is a common opportunistic human pathogen of mucormycosis, is reported here as a new record for Pakistan. C. echinulata has an industrial relevance by producing large quantities of lipids. Both fungi have been isolated from rhizosphere of rice and wheat plants. Identification of these taxa was confirmed by morphological and microscopic characterization. A comprehensive key to identify Cunninghamella species from Pakistan is also provided in this paper.