Yeasts associated with algarrobo trees (Prosopis spp.) in northwest Argentina: A preliminary report

Abstract

Yeasts were isolated from exudates from trees at three sites in northwest Argentina, two between the towns of Amaicha del Valle and Cafayate and one in the Quebrada de Cafayate, a deep river valley north of Cafayate. The majority of the yeasts were identified asCandida famata andRhodotorula graminis, though isolates of other species ofRhodotorula, Candida boidinii, Pichia membranaefaciens, and occasional isolates of other species were obtained. None of the species was the same as those isolated in Crete, from pods of the carob (European algarrobo). Of 96 cultures investigated, 26 utilized methanol as sole carbon source. The frequency of isolation of methylotrophic yeasts from this habitat may prove to be of considerable scientific and technological interest.