Fungal Microbiota of Sea Buckthorn Berries at Two Ripening Stages and Volatile Profiling of Potential Biocontrol Yeasts

Abstract

Sea buckthorn, Hippophae rhamnoides L., has considerable potential for landscape reclamation, food, medicinal, and cosmetics industries. In this study, we analyzed fungal microorganism populations associated with carposphere of sea buckthorn harvested in Lithuania. An amplicon metagenomic approach based on the ITS2 region of fungal rDNA was used to reveal the ripening-affected fungal community alterations on sea buckthorn berries. According to alpha and beta diversity analyses, depending on the ripening stage, sea buckthorn displayed significantly different fungal communities. Unripe berries were shown to be prevalent by Aureobasidium, Taphrina, and Cladosporium, while ripe berries were dominated by Aureobasidium and Metschnikowia. The selected yeast strains from unripe and mature berries were applied for volatile organic compounds identification by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques. It was demonstrated that the patterns of volatiles of four yeast species tested were distinct from each other. The current study for the first time revealed the alterations of fungal microorganism communities colonizing the surface of sea buckthorn berries at different ripening stages. The novel information on specific volatile profiles of cultivable sea buckthorn-associated yeasts with a potential role in biocontrol is important for the development of the strategies for plant cultivation and disease management, as well as for the improvement of the quality and preservation of the postharvest berries. Management of the fungal microorganisms present on the surface of berries might be a powerful instrument for control of phytopathogenic and potentially antagonistic microorganisms affecting development and quality of the berries.

Mycobiota in the Carposphere of Sour and Sweet Cherries and Antagonistic Features of Potential Biocontrol Yeasts

“…Obtained results are in concord with the previous studies accomplished with fresh-cut fruits such as apple, red and black currants, sea buckhorn, etc. [ 14 , 16 , 17 , 23 , 36 ]. Ascomycetous fungi distributed on the tested berries were mainly represented by Aureobasidium , Cladosporium , Metschnikowia , Hanseniaspora , and Taphrina genera.…”

“…Ascomycetous fungi distributed on the tested berries were mainly represented by Aureobasidium , Cladosporium , Metschnikowia , Hanseniaspora , and Taphrina genera. It was previously demonstrated that intact berries were dominated by Aureobasidium , Taphrina , and Cladosporium fungi [ 14 , 37 ]. During the ripening process, fermentative ascomycetous microorganisms, such as Metschnikowia , Candida , and Hanseniaspora increased in frequency [ 14 , 37 ].…”

“…The plant carposphere is highly colonized by various bacterial and fungal microorganisms, the distribution of which is affected by geographic location, climatic conditions, plant species, ripening stage, and growing methods [ 9 , 10 , 11 ]. Some epiphytic plant-associated microorganisms demonstrate beneficial features, produce secondary metabolites improving resistance in the plant, and impact the structure of the microbial population [ 12 , 13 , 14 ]. On the other hand, some fruit-inhabiting microorganisms are recognized as pathogenic to hosting plants and humans and are responsible for significant economic losses and serious health problems [ 15 , 16 ].…”

Correction: Lukša, J., et al. Fungal Microbiota of Sea Buckthorn Berries at Two Ripening Stages and Volatile Profiling of Potential Biocontrol Yeasts. Microorganisms 2020, 8, 456

“…The authors in the Funding section of [ 1 ] found an error. Consequently, the authors wish to correct “This research was funded by European Social Fund/European Regional Development Fund under grant agreement with the Research Council of Lithuania (LMTLT), grant number 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-01-0099.” to “This project has received funding from European Social Fund (project No 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-01-0099) under grant agreement with the Research Council of Lithuania (LMTLT).”…”

“…The authors in the Funding section of [1] found an error. Consequently, the authors wish to correct "This research was funded by European Social Fund/European Regional Development Fund under grant agreement with the Research Council of Lithuania (LMTLT), grant number 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-01-0099."…”