Killer activity of Tilletiopsis albescens Gokhale: taxonomic and phylogenetic implication

Killer activity expressed at pH values ranging from 3.5 to 8.0 was found in the Tilletiopsis albescens VKM-2822. Its killer phenotype was cureless. The toxin excreted with a molecular mass above 10 kDa is fungicidal, thermolabile, sensitive to proteinase K and was specified as a mycocin. The latter does not act against ascomycetous, sporidiobolaceous and tremellaceous yeasts. In contrast to all other Rhodotorula species, Rh. bacarum, Rh. hinnulea and Rh. phylloplana are sensitive to the mycocin studied. Also, its killing pattern includes the species of the genera Exobasidium, Farysia, Protomyces, Pseudozyma, Sporisorium, Taphrina and Ustilago. The host range of T. albescens mycocin is discussed from taxonomic and phylogenetic viewpoints.