Metschnikowia agaveae sp.nov., a heterothallic haploid yeast from blue agave

Abstract

Several strains of a new haploid, heterothallic species of Metschnikowia have been isolated from Agave tequilana var. azul in two agave-growing localities of Jalisco, Mexico. The new yeast species forms two aciculate ascospores per ascus after conjugation of enlarged and elongated compatible cells. Named after its host, Metschnikowia agaveae resembles superficially Metschnikowia hawaiiensis, but differs from the latter by some physiological and morphological characteristics. These two species exhibited no signs of sexual cross-reactivity. Strain UWO(PS)92-207.1 (h+, CBS 7744, ATCC 90148) is the type culture, and strain UWO(PS)92-210.1 (h−, CBS 7745, ATCC 90147) has been designated as isotype.Key words: agave, yeast, Metschnikowia, new species.