Abstract
To assess the position of Kuro-Koji molds in black Aspergillus, we performed sequence analysis of approximately 2,500 nucleotides of partial gene fragments, such as histone 3 , on a total of 57 Aspergillus strains, including A. kawachii NBRC 4308, 12 Kuro-Koji molds isolated from awamori breweries in Japan. Sequence results showed that all black Aspergillus strains could be classified into 3 types. All 12 Kuro-Koji molds isolated from awamori breweries were classified into same type which includes A. kawachii NBRC 4308, thus we concluded this type represents the industrial Kuro-Koji molds. We also found these strains lack the An15g07920 gene which is required for ochratoxin A biosynthesis in black Aspergillus. Based on industrial importance and the safety of Kuro-Koji molds, we propose to classify these strains as A. luchuensis, as initially reported by Dr. Inui.
