A new thermophilic species of Conidiobolus from India.

A Conidiobolus isolate growing optimally at 40 degrees C was isolated from decomposing leaf litter and has been designated as a new species, Conidiobolus thermophilus. Colony growth, conidial discharge and smooth zygospore formation was rapid at 40 degrees C, while comparative growth at 35 and 45 degrees C was slower. On the basis of its thermophilic character and morphological distinctness from all other species, the isolate is considered as a species new to science. There have been no published reports of any thermophilic or thermotolerant strains of Conidiobolus. The present fungus was isolated as part of an ongoing programme of selective isolation of unusual/rare thermophilic fungi from compost and decomposed terrestrial plant materials.