Abstract
Few fungi are as important as members of the genus Aspergillus. This taxonomic group encompasses organisms whose characteristics are of high pathological, agricultural, industrial, pharmaceutical, scientific, and cultural importance. Superb agents of biodeterioration, aspergilli have been isolated from sources as varied as alligator nesting material, aviation fuel, Egyptian mummies, electrical fuses, plastic products, and old sauna boards. Indeed, this large and cosmopolitan group of molds is a major player in the ecosystem, involved in the degradation of a wide range of natural organic substrates, particularly plant materials. Aspergillus species are generalists in that they will grow and reproduce on many different carbon sources; they have an amazing nutritional fl exibility. The diversity of enzymes and organic acids used in nutrition is complemented by the metabolic capacity to secrete numerous low molecular weight secondary metabolites believed to be important in ecological signaling. Because these molds can be found almost everywhere on the planet, degrading both natural and human-made substrates, Aspergillus and human history have been intertwined intimately for centuries.