Genetic diversity among Geotrichum candidum strains from various substrates studied using RAM and RAPD-PCR

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Food Science
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Geotrichum candidum is a fungus with significant roles in the agro-food industry.
• Understanding its genetic diversity is essential for strain identification and application.
• Existing methods may not fully capture the genetic variability within G. candidum.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the genetic diversity of Geotrichum candidum strains.
• To develop molecular tools for tracing important strains in the agro-food sector.
• To establish traceability systems for G. candidum in food processing.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA-PCR (RAPD-PCR) and Repetitive Amplicon-Mediated PCR (RAM-PCR).
• Analyzed 57 strains of G. candidum with diverse morphotypes, substrates, and geographical origins.
• Evaluated the discriminatory power of RAM-PCR and RAPD-PCR, both individually and in combination.

Main Results:

• RAM-PCR and RAPD-PCR demonstrated complementary capabilities in discriminating G. candidum isolates.
• Combined techniques effectively distinguished between the 57 analyzed strains.
• A correlation was established between G. candidum taxa and their ecological niches, distinct from isolation substrates.

Conclusions:

• Significant genetic diversity exists within Geotrichum candidum, linked to varied ecological niches and morphological polymorphism.
• The combined RAM-PCR and RAPD-PCR approach provides a robust tool for traceability and monitoring of G. candidum strains.
• These findings support the development of advanced monitoring systems for G. candidum in food production environments.