Molecular diagnosis of yeasts isolated locally from fruits, leaves, and soil of some plant species in the city of Mosul, Iraq
Article Main
Abstract
Yeasts associated with plant environments play a crucial role in ecological balance and biotechnology applications, given their ability to participate in nutrient cycling and the production of valuable compounds. However, the study of the local diversity of these yeasts in many plant environments remains limited and insufficient. This study was conducted to investigate the diversity of local yeast species associated with plant environments. Yeasts isolated from fruits, leaves, and soil are considered important biological resources due to their potential applications in agriculture and biotechnology. The current study aimed to isolate and molecularly characterize local yeasts from samples taken from the fruits, leaves, and soil of selected plants. Eight yeast isolates were obtained from the different plant samples. Molecular characterization was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the ITS region. Amplification results showed a single DNA band of approximately 500 base pairs in all isolates. ITS region sequencing identified four yeast species: three isolates were identified as Meyerozyma guilliermondii, three as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, one as Pichia fermentans, and one as Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. All identified isolates have been officially deposited and registered in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database.These results highlight the significant diversity of yeast species associated with plant environments and provide an important foundation for the future use of these isolates in agricultural and biotechnology applications. This study is one of the few to document and register the molecular diversity of local yeasts isolated from plant environments in a global database, enhancing their potential for future research and application.
Article Details
Article Details
Keywords
Electrophoresis , Polymerase Chain Reaction, Yeast isolation
References
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Mohammed, A. A. H. & Masyab, H. M. (2020). Genetic transformation of Nigella sativa L. plants with Agrobacterium rhizogenes 35S GUS R1000 and estimation of thymoquinone level in transformed hairy roots cultures. Plant Archives, 20(1), 3649-3652.
Natarajan, S.; Balachandar, D.; Senthil, N.; Velazhahan, R. & Paranidharan, V. (2022). Volatiles of antagonistic soil yeasts inhibit growth and aflatoxin production of Aspergillus flavus. Microbiological Research, 263, 127150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micres.2022.127150
Nouraei, H.; Gharechahi, F.; Zareshahrabadi, Z.; Zomorodian, K.; Gharavi, A.; Khodadadi, H.; Ansari, S.; Neda Amirzadeh, N. & Pakshir, K. (2024). Molecular characterization of non-Cryptococcus yeast communities isolated from Eucalyptus trees. Current Medical Mycology, 10, e2024-345184. https://doi:10.22034/CMM.2024.345184.1500
Oda, O., Mohammed, A., Chigozie, A. B., Amah, E. E., Igwe, E. P. & Wassagwa, J. (2024). Screening for antibiotic-producing fungi from soil in caleb university, Imota, Lagos, Nigeria. Sahel Journal of Life Sciences FUDMA, 2(2), 189-193. I: https://doi.org/10.33003/sajols-2024-0202-25
Otani, N., Nguyen, K. D., Hirokawa, A., Kanki, Y., Yun, H. S., Maeda, Y. & Sugasawa, T. (2024). Identification and characterization of yeast species isolated from cornus kousa fruits in japan. Fermentation, 10(6), 288.https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation10060288
Pfaller, M. A., Diekema, D. J., Rinaldi, M. G., Barnes, R., Hu, B., Veselov, A. V., ... & Gibbs, D. L. (2005). Results from the ARTEMIS DISK global antifungal surveillance study: a 6.5-year analysis of susceptibilitiesof candida and other yeast species to fluconazole and voriconazole by standardized disk diffusion testing. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 43(12), 5848-5859. https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/jcm.43.12.5848-5859.2005
Pitt, J.I. & Hocking, A.D. (2009). Fungi and food spoilage. springer dordrecht heidelbery London New York.
Renzi, S., Nenciarini, S., Bacci, G. & Cavalieri, D. (2023). Yeast metagenomics: analytical challenges in the analysis of the eukaryotic microbiome. Microbiome Research Reports, 3(1), 2. https://doi:10.20517/mrr.2023.27
Sánchez-Adriá, I. E., Sanmartín, G., Prieto, J. A., Estruch, F. & Randez-Gil, F. (2024). Sourdough yeast strains exhibit thermal tolerance, high fermentative performance, and a distinctive aromatic profile in beer wort. Foods, 13(7), 1059. ;https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13071059
Santoso, T., Pulukambang, S. H. & Ahmar, D. S. (2025). Soybean tempeh: effect of yeast concentration and fermentation duration on organoleptic test as a learning resource. Jurnal Akademika Kimia, 14(2), 70-76. https://www.jurnalfkipuntad.com/index.php/jak/article/view/4480
Segal-Kischinevzky, C., Romero-Aguilar, L., Alcaraz, L. D., López-Ortiz, G., Martínez-Castillo, B., Torres-Ramírez, N. & González, J. (2022). Yeasts inhabiting extreme environments and their biotechnological applications. Microorganisms, 10(4), 794. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/10/4/794
Shruthi, B., Deepa, N., Somashekaraiah, R., Adithi, G., Divyashree, S. & Sreenivasa, M. Y. (2022). Exploring biotechnological and functional characteristics of probiotic yeasts: A review. Biotechnology Reports, 34, e00716.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.btre.2022.e00716
Sultan, S. M., Yahya, R. T., Sultan, S. J. & Mohammed, A. A. H. (2025). Antifungal activity of some extracts supplemented with silver nanoparticles. Medical Journal of Babylon, 22(1), 175-182. https://DOI:10.4103/MJBL.MJBL_1339_23
Tsaruk, A., Filip, K., Sibirny, A. & Ruchala, J. (2025). Native and recombinant yeast producers of lactic acid: characteristics and perspectives. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(5), 2007 . https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26052007
Tullio, V. (2022). Yeast genomics and its applications in biotechnological processes: what is our present and near future?. Journal of Fungi, 8(7), 752. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8070752
White, T. J., Bruns, T., Lee, S. J. W. T. & Taylor, J. (1990). Amplification and direct sequencing of fungal ribosomal RNA genes for phylogenetics. PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and \Applications, 18(1), 315-322. https://msafungi.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/February-2013-Inoculum.pdf
Wykrętowicz, K., Czyżewska-Dors, E., Dors, A., Pomorska-Mól, M., Augustyniak, A. & Łagowski, D. (2025). Rhodotorula spp. in laboratory and veterinary clinical practice: contamination or an emerging problem?. Animals, 15(22), 3299. ;https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15223299
Zhu, H. Y., Guo, L. C., Hu, S., Wei, Y. H., Hui, F. L., Liu, X. Z. & Bai, F. Y. (2024). Pichia kurtzmaniana fa sp. nov., with the transfer of eight Candida species to Pichia. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, 74(3), 006306. https://doi.org/10.1099/ijsem.0.006306
https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9020239
Alkhuwailidy, H. A. & Alrufae, M. M. (2022). DNA sequencing of novel yeast isolated from bloodstream infections in Al-Najaf Province. Wiad Lek, 75(4), 774-780. https://DOI:10.36740/WLek202204105
Al-Taei, M. B. & Malla Obaeda, B. A. A. (2023). Isolation and identification of some yeasts from some plants. Rafidain Journal of Science, 32(1): 16-27. https://DOI:10.33899/rjs.2023.177284
Chavez, C. M., Groenewald, M., Hulfachor, A. B., Kpurubu, G., Huerta, R., Hittinger, C. T. & Rokas, A. (2024). The cell morphological diversity of Saccharomycotina yeasts. FEMS Yeast Research, 24, foad055. https://doi.org/10.1093/femsyr/foad055
Dashko, S., Zhou, N., Compagno, C. & Piškur, J. (2014). Why, when, and how did yeast evolve alcoholic fermentation?. FEMS Yeast Research, 14(6), 826-832. https://doi.org/10.1111/1567-1364.12161
Hafeez, A., Mushtaq, M., Hanif, M., Saadia, H., Kakar, K., Ejaz, H., ... & Rasool, M. (2025). Development of quick and accurate methods for identifying human pathogenic yeast by targeting the phospholipase B gene, topoisomerase II gene, Candida drug resistance gene, and species-specific ITS 2. Journal of King Saud University Science, 37(1). https://doi:10.25259/JKSUS_169_2024
Heydarian, M. & Hatamian-Zarmi, A. (2016). Molecular identification of Ganoderma lucidum from Iran. Rostaniha, 17(2), 188-192. http://dx.doi.org/10.22092/botany.2017.109434
Klink, M. J., Laloo, N., Leudjo Taka, A., Pakade, V. E., Monapathi, M. E. & Modise, J. S. (2022). Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles against selected waterborne bacterial and yeast pathogens. Molecules, 27(11), 3532. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27113532
Kowalska, J., Krzymińska, J. & Tyburski, J. (2022). Yeasts as a potential biological agent in plant disease protection and yield improvement—A short review. Agriculture, 12(9), 1404.https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12091404
Kurniatuhadi, R.; Setyawati, T. R.; Yanti, A. H. & Batua, B. (2023, December). Yeast diversity isolated from nypa palm leaf litter in the macrohabitat of the nypa palm worm (Namalycastis rhodochorde). In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (1271, No. 1, p. 012008). IOP Publishing. https://DOI:10.1088/1755-1315/1271/1/012008
Kurtzman, C., Fell, J. W. & Boekhout, T. (Eds.). (2011). The yeasts: a taxonomic study. Elsevier.
Lopes, M. R., de Souza, C. J., Rodrigues, M. Q., Costa, D. A., dos Santos, A. F., de Oliveira, L. L., ... & Fietto, L. G. (2014). Production and characterization of β-glucanase secreted by the yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 172(5), 2412-2424. https://DOI:10.1007/s12010-013-0683-3
Lopes, M. R., Klein, M. N., Ferraz, L. P., da Silva, A. C. & Kupper, K. C. (2015). Saccharomyces cerevisiae: a novel and efficient biological control agent for Colletotrichum acutatum during pre-harvest. Microbiological Research, 175, 93-99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micres.2015.04.003
Malla Obaida, B. A. M., (2020a). Investigation of some types of Candida yeasts contaminating sheep milk and testing their sensitivity to certain antibiotics. Rafidain Journal of Science, 29(2), 20-29.
Malla Obaida, B. A. R. M. & Razzaq, B. A. (2020). Curing oF plasmid dna content of yeast debaromyces hansenii isolated locally from soil. Biochemical & Cellular Archives, 20(2), 5853-5858. : https://doi:connectjournals.com/03896.2020.20.5853
Miceli, M. H., Díaz, J. A. & Lee, S. A. (2011). Emerging opportunistic yeast infections. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 11(2), 142-151. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(10)70218-8/abstract
Moesslacher, C. S., Kohlmayr, J. M. & Stelzl, U. (2021). Exploring absent protein function in yeast: assaying post translational modification and human genetic variation. Microbial Cell, 8(8), 164. https://doi.org/10.15698/mic2021.08.756
Mohammed, A. A. H. & Masyab, H. M. (2020). Genetic transformation of Nigella sativa L. plants with Agrobacterium rhizogenes 35S GUS R1000 and estimation of thymoquinone level in transformed hairy roots cultures. Plant Archives, 20(1), 3649-3652.
Natarajan, S.; Balachandar, D.; Senthil, N.; Velazhahan, R. & Paranidharan, V. (2022). Volatiles of antagonistic soil yeasts inhibit growth and aflatoxin production of Aspergillus flavus. Microbiological Research, 263, 127150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micres.2022.127150
Nouraei, H.; Gharechahi, F.; Zareshahrabadi, Z.; Zomorodian, K.; Gharavi, A.; Khodadadi, H.; Ansari, S.; Neda Amirzadeh, N. & Pakshir, K. (2024). Molecular characterization of non-Cryptococcus yeast communities isolated from Eucalyptus trees. Current Medical Mycology, 10, e2024-345184. https://doi:10.22034/CMM.2024.345184.1500
Oda, O., Mohammed, A., Chigozie, A. B., Amah, E. E., Igwe, E. P. & Wassagwa, J. (2024). Screening for antibiotic-producing fungi from soil in caleb university, Imota, Lagos, Nigeria. Sahel Journal of Life Sciences FUDMA, 2(2), 189-193. I: https://doi.org/10.33003/sajols-2024-0202-25
Otani, N., Nguyen, K. D., Hirokawa, A., Kanki, Y., Yun, H. S., Maeda, Y. & Sugasawa, T. (2024). Identification and characterization of yeast species isolated from cornus kousa fruits in japan. Fermentation, 10(6), 288.https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation10060288
Pfaller, M. A., Diekema, D. J., Rinaldi, M. G., Barnes, R., Hu, B., Veselov, A. V., ... & Gibbs, D. L. (2005). Results from the ARTEMIS DISK global antifungal surveillance study: a 6.5-year analysis of susceptibilitiesof candida and other yeast species to fluconazole and voriconazole by standardized disk diffusion testing. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 43(12), 5848-5859. https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/jcm.43.12.5848-5859.2005
Pitt, J.I. & Hocking, A.D. (2009). Fungi and food spoilage. springer dordrecht heidelbery London New York.
Renzi, S., Nenciarini, S., Bacci, G. & Cavalieri, D. (2023). Yeast metagenomics: analytical challenges in the analysis of the eukaryotic microbiome. Microbiome Research Reports, 3(1), 2. https://doi:10.20517/mrr.2023.27
Sánchez-Adriá, I. E., Sanmartín, G., Prieto, J. A., Estruch, F. & Randez-Gil, F. (2024). Sourdough yeast strains exhibit thermal tolerance, high fermentative performance, and a distinctive aromatic profile in beer wort. Foods, 13(7), 1059. ;https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13071059
Santoso, T., Pulukambang, S. H. & Ahmar, D. S. (2025). Soybean tempeh: effect of yeast concentration and fermentation duration on organoleptic test as a learning resource. Jurnal Akademika Kimia, 14(2), 70-76. https://www.jurnalfkipuntad.com/index.php/jak/article/view/4480
Segal-Kischinevzky, C., Romero-Aguilar, L., Alcaraz, L. D., López-Ortiz, G., Martínez-Castillo, B., Torres-Ramírez, N. & González, J. (2022). Yeasts inhabiting extreme environments and their biotechnological applications. Microorganisms, 10(4), 794. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/10/4/794
Shruthi, B., Deepa, N., Somashekaraiah, R., Adithi, G., Divyashree, S. & Sreenivasa, M. Y. (2022). Exploring biotechnological and functional characteristics of probiotic yeasts: A review. Biotechnology Reports, 34, e00716.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.btre.2022.e00716
Sultan, S. M., Yahya, R. T., Sultan, S. J. & Mohammed, A. A. H. (2025). Antifungal activity of some extracts supplemented with silver nanoparticles. Medical Journal of Babylon, 22(1), 175-182. https://DOI:10.4103/MJBL.MJBL_1339_23
Tsaruk, A., Filip, K., Sibirny, A. & Ruchala, J. (2025). Native and recombinant yeast producers of lactic acid: characteristics and perspectives. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(5), 2007 . https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26052007
Tullio, V. (2022). Yeast genomics and its applications in biotechnological processes: what is our present and near future?. Journal of Fungi, 8(7), 752. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8070752
White, T. J., Bruns, T., Lee, S. J. W. T. & Taylor, J. (1990). Amplification and direct sequencing of fungal ribosomal RNA genes for phylogenetics. PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and \Applications, 18(1), 315-322. https://msafungi.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/February-2013-Inoculum.pdf
Wykrętowicz, K., Czyżewska-Dors, E., Dors, A., Pomorska-Mól, M., Augustyniak, A. & Łagowski, D. (2025). Rhodotorula spp. in laboratory and veterinary clinical practice: contamination or an emerging problem?. Animals, 15(22), 3299. ;https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15223299
Zhu, H. Y., Guo, L. C., Hu, S., Wei, Y. H., Hui, F. L., Liu, X. Z. & Bai, F. Y. (2024). Pichia kurtzmaniana fa sp. nov., with the transfer of eight Candida species to Pichia. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, 74(3), 006306. https://doi.org/10.1099/ijsem.0.006306
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How to Cite
Molecular diagnosis of yeasts isolated locally from fruits, leaves, and soil of some plant species in the city of Mosul, Iraq. (2026). Journal of Applied and Natural Science, 18(2), 667-675. https://doi.org/10.31018/jans.v18i2.7286
