Molecular identification of fungi from soils and mosses of Signy Island (Maritime Antarctica)

The Antarctic region represents one of the most extreme environments on Earth, characterized by habitats that combine persistent cold with dry conditions. Despite this harshness, the Antarctic mycoflora exhibits notable diversity across the continent’s climatic zones. Many Antarctic microfungi are cosmopolitan species capable of surviving and adapting to a wide range of environmental stresses. This study focused on the molecular identification of fungi isolated from soils and mosses on Signy Island, Antarctica. Fungal samples were cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), and genomic DNA was extracted and quantified. PCR amplification targeting the ITS region was performed, and the resulting products were sequenced. Molecular identification of the isolates was achieved through partial ITS sequence analysis and comparison with reference strains in the NCBI database. A total of 61 isolates representing seven fungal genera were obtained. The dominant species were Penicillium citrinum (47.54%), followed by Fusarium fujikuroi (29.50%), Fusarium proliferatum (8.20%), Phoma herbarum (4.92%), and Aspergillus niger (3.28%). Less frequently isolated species included Penicillium polonicum, Alternaria alternata, Deniquelata barringtoniae, and Cosmospora viridescens (each 1.64%).