Aureobasidium subglaciale

Previously classified under the species complex Aureobasidium pullulans, Aureobasidium subglaciale is a black yeast-like, extremophile, ascomycete fungus that is found in extreme cold habitats. The species was originally isolated from subglacial ice of arctic glaciers. The first isolate of this species was obtained from subglacial ice of the Norwegian island Spitsbergen, one of the coldest places inhabited by humans. of Genomic data collected from specimens in the Aureobasidium pullulans complex justified distinction of four different species

Aureobasidium subglaciale is specifically known for its capability to grow and reproduce at low temperatures. The species could potentially be economically valuable, as recent research has shown promise for the use of A. subglaciale as a biocontrol agent for various post-harvest rot pathogens. The survival of the species at low temperatures is favorable for refrigerated conditions, making this particular species of Aureobasidium of prominent interest. Due to the somewhat recent distinction of A. subglaciale from the A. pullulans species complex, much of the current research does not make the distinction between A. pullulans strains, and thus there is limited information on this species.