Production of Indole-3-Acetic Acid and Degradation of 2,4-D by Yeasts Isolated from Pollinating Insects

Synthetic herbicides such as glyphosate and 2,4-D are widely used in agriculture but can negatively impact non-target organisms, including microorganisms essential for ecological balance. Yeasts associated with pollinating insects play crucial roles in plant-insect interactions, yet their responses to herbicides remain understudied. This study aimed to evaluate the capacity of yeasts isolated from bees and beetles to produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), a plant-growth-promoting hormone, as well as their ability to tolerate or degrade glyphosate (in the commercial herbicide Zapp QI 620^®) and 2,4-D (in the commercial Aminol 806^®). Seven yeast strains were isolated from insects, identified via ITS sequencing, and assessed for IAA production in YPD medium. Growth assays were conducted under varying herbicide concentrations, and 2,4-D degradation was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. All strains produced IAA, with Papiliotrema siamensis CHAP-239 exhibiting the highest yield (4.17 mg/L). Glyphosate completely inhibited growth in all strains, while 2,4-D showed dose-dependent effects, with four strains tolerating lower concentrations. Notably, Meyerozyma caribbica CHAP-248 degraded up to 46% of 2,4-D at 6.045 g/L. These findings highlight the ecological risks herbicides pose to beneficial yeasts and suggest the potential of certain strains for bioremediation in herbicide-contaminated environments. Overall, the study underscores the importance of preserving microbial biodiversity in the context of sustainable agriculture.