The history of ICPA

The International Commission on Penicillium and Aspergillus (ICPA) includes 11 specialists in the taxonomy of these economically important moulds, representing eight countries. ICPA was formed at the First International Penicillium and Aspergillus Workshop in Baarn, the Netherlands, in May 1985, and is a commission of the International Union of Microbiological Sciences (IUMS).

It undertakes collaborative studies on the taxonomy of these genera in order to develop practical and acceptable taxonomic concepts and promote nomenclatural stability. The most recent ICPA workshop was held in Baarn, the Netherlands, from 26-29 May 1997, hosted by the Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures. Forty scientists from around the world presented approximately sixty research papers on all aspects of Penicillium and Aspergillus taxonomy.

Important papers published by the Commission:

Pitt, J.I. and R.A. Samson. (1990). Approaches to Penicillium and Aspergillus systematics. Stud. Mycol., Baarn, 32: 77-91

Pitt, J.I. & R. A. Samson 1993. Species names in current use (NCU) in the Trichocomaceae (Fungi, Eurotiales). Regnum Vegetabile 128: 13-57

Samson R. A.and Pitt, J.I. 2000. Integration of modern taxonomic methods for Penicillium and Aspergillus classification. Harwood Publishers, Amsterdam.

Samson, R. A. & J. I. Pitt (1985). Advances in Penicillium and Aspergilus systematics. Plenum Publishers, London & New York, 483 pp.

Samson, R.A. and Pitt, J.I. eds. (1990) Modern Concepts in Penicillium and Aspergillus Classification. Plenum Press: New York and London, 478 pp

Samson, R.A., and Varga,J. (2007). Aspergillus systematics in the genomic era. Stud. Mycol., 59, 1-206.