Revisiting the pink‐red pigmented basidiomycete mirror yeast of the phyllosphere

Abstract

By taking advantage of the ballistoconidium‐forming capabilities of members of the genus Sporobolomyces, we recovered ten isolates from deciduous tree leaves collected from Vermont and Washington, USA. Analysis of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene and the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit ribosomal RNA gene indicate that all isolates are closely related. Further analysis of their physiological attributes shows that all were similarly pigmented yeasts capable of growth under aerobic and microaerophilic conditions, all were tolerant of repeated freezing and thawing, minimally tolerant to elevated temperature and desiccation, and capable of growth in liquid or on solid media containing pectin or galacturonic acid. The scientific literature on ballistoconidium‐forming yeasts indicates that they are a polyphyletic group. Isolates of Sporobolomyces from two geographically separated sites show almost identical phenotypic and physiological characteristics and a monophyly with a broad group of differently named Sporobolomyces/Sporidiobolus species based on both small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) and D1/D2 domains of the LSU rRNA gene sequences.

Non-target impacts of fungicide disturbance on phyllosphere yeasts in conventional and no-till management

“…They are known to produce extracellular polysaccharides and surfactants, which may be necessary for creating or maintaining biofilms [25]. In addition, some phyllosphere yeasts, including species of basidiomycete yeasts in Cryptococcus and Sporidiobolus, produce carotenoid compounds, which have antioxidant properties and may protect the yeasts and other resident microbes from stress in the phyllosphere [26]. Phyllosphere yeast communities have also been linked to pollinator insects by altering floral nectary chemistry, and fungicides can modify this relationship [27,28].…”

Non-target impacts of fungicide disturbance on phyllosphere yeasts in different crop species and management systems

“…They are known to produce extracellular polysaccharides and surfactants, which may be necessary for creating or maintaining biofilms (Fonseca & Inácio, 2006). Additionally, some phyllosphere yeasts, including species of basidiomycete yeasts in Cryptococcus and Sporidiobolus, produce carotenoid compounds, which have antioxidant properties and may protect the yeasts and potentially other resident microbes from stress in the phyllosphere (Cobban et al, 2016). Phyllosphere yeast communities have also been linked to pollinator insects by altering floral nectary chemistry, and fungicides can modify this relationship (Cadez et al, 2010;Schaeffer et al, 2017a).…”

Influence of plant host and organ, management strategy, and spore traits on microbiome composition

“…Yeasts that inhabit the phyllosphere are well suited to the oligotrophic conditions present on leaf surfaces. They produce extracellular polysaccharides, surfactants, and carotenoid compounds, which may be important for maintaining biofilms and stress tolerance (Cobban et al ., 2016; Fonseca and Inacio 2006)..…”