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Yeasts on Tree Gum: Taxonomic, Genetic and Phenotypic Diversity
1Department of Genetics and Applied Microbiology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.
Environmental Microbiology Reports
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Cherry tree gums host diverse yeasts, but these microbes grow poorly on gum alone. Some yeast strains exhibit antifungal properties, suggesting complex interactions within tree exudates.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Mycology
- Plant Pathology
Background:
- Tree exudates, like resins and saps, can either promote or hinder microbial growth.
- Conifer resins possess strong antimicrobial properties, while sugar-rich saps often support diverse microorganisms, including yeasts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the yeast communities associated with polysaccharide-containing gums from cherry trees.
- To assess the growth characteristics and antagonistic potential of isolated yeasts on gum-based media.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of 227 yeast strains from cherry tree gums across 20 locations.
- Identification of yeast species using taxonomic methods.
- Evaluation of yeast growth on laboratory media with gum as the sole nutrient source.
- Testing for antifungal antagonism and analysis of genetic diversity in specific isolates.
Main Results:
- A diverse community of 12 ascomycetous and 19 basidiomycetous yeast species was identified.
- Isolated yeasts exhibited very poor growth on gum-based media, indicating cherry gum is not a primary habitat.
- Sixteen yeast species demonstrated antifungal antagonism, with Metschnikowia pulcherrima isolates producing pulcherriminic acid.
- M. pulcherrima isolates displayed significant intragenomic barcode diversity due to single-nucleotide dimorphism.
Conclusions:
- Cherry tree gum supports a taxonomically diverse but poorly adapted yeast community.
- The poor growth suggests cherry gum is unlikely to host a stable, characteristic yeast population.
- Antifungal activities observed in some isolates highlight potential roles in tree defense or microbial interactions.
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