Unravelling the Bifunctional Potential of Phylloplane Yeasts from Rose Flowers: Zinc Solubilization and Biocontrol of Fungal Phytopathogens

Authors

  • Passorn Jongkaewvijit Division of Microbiology, Department of Science and Bioinnovation, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
  • Noramon Punjanon Division of Microbiology, Department of Science and Bioinnovation, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
  • Nawarat Hongthong Division of Microbiology, Department of Science and Bioinnovation, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
  • Sopitar Soponputtaporn Division of Microbiology, Department of Science and Bioinnovation, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
  • Kriengsak Thaipong Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
  • Janpen Tangjitjaroenkun Department of Resources and Environment, Faculty of Science at Sriracha, Kasetsart University, Sriracha Campus, Chonburi 20230, Thailand
  • Moltira Srithaworn Division of Microbiology, Department of Science and Bioinnovation, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
  • Orawan Chunhachart Division of Microbiology, Department of Science and Bioinnovation, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand

Keywords:

Phyllosphere, Biocontrol, Zinc solubilization, Calcareous soil, Phytopathogenic fungi, Phylloplane Yeast, Phyllosphere, Biocontrol, Zinc solubilization, Calcareous soil, Phytopathogenic fungi, Phylloplane yeast

Abstract

Plants cultivated on calcareous soils frequently show symptoms of zinc deficiency, which can increase their susceptibility to fungal phytopathogen infections and adversely impact plant growth and productivity. One potential approach to mitigate these issues is the application of zinc-solubilizing microbes with antagonistic activity against fungal phytopathogens. Therefore, the objective of this study was to isolate and screen yeasts from rose flowers for their ability to solubilize zinc and suppress fungal phytopathogens. Ninety-two phylloplane yeasts were screened for zinc-solubilizing efficiency using modified Pikovskaya’s agar individually supplemented with 0.1% ZnO, ZnCO₃, and ZnS. Among these isolates, we selected 5 zinc-solubilizing yeasts that exhibited high zinc-solubilizing efficiency (ZSE), ranging from 3.73 to 5.38 and from 3.80 to 5.12 on media supplemented with 0.1% ZnO and ZnCO₃, respectively. These strains were identified as Kurtzmaniella quercitrusa and Hanseniaspora opuntiae based on the D1/D2 domain of LSU rDNA sequence analysis. Their growth, zinc solubilization at alkaline pH, acid production, and traits for promoting plant growth were investigated. Kurtzmaniella quercitrusa KPR1006 grew well in alkaline conditions and had the highest amount of soluble zinc at 73.64 mg/L at pH 7.0, followed by 53.04 mg/L at pH 8.0 and 29.75 mg/L at pH 9.0. The analysis of acids produced by K. quercitrusa KPR1006 indicated that citric acid, succinic acid, malic acid, and acetic acid were present in the culture filtrate. The cell-free supernatant from Hanseniaspora opuntiae KPR2060 significantly inhibited the hyphal growth of Sclerotium sp. and Phytophthora sp. M01 by 54.35 ± 1.54% and 81.65 ± 1.93%, respectively, and it also suppressed the germination of sclerotia and conidia. While K. quercitrusa KPR1006 inhibited the hyphal growth of Sclerotium sp. and Phytophthora sp. M01 by 29.88% and 76.94%, respectively. These phylloplane yeasts have demonstrated significant potential in simultaneously enhancing zinc solubilization and functioning as yeast-based bio-fungicides.

HIGHLIGHTS
Phylloplane yeasts with remarkably high zinc solubilization efficiency and the ability to inhibit plant pathogenic fungi were isolated from rose flowers. The acid profile produced by alkalotolerant phylloplane yeast, Kurtzmaniella quercitrusa KPR1006, for zinc solubilization was demonstrated.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

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2026-02-15

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Jongkaewvijit, P., Punjanon, N., Hongthong, N., Soponputtaporn, S., Thaipong, K., Tangjitjaroenkun, J., Srithaworn, M., & Chunhachart, O. (2026). Unravelling the Bifunctional Potential of Phylloplane Yeasts from Rose Flowers: Zinc Solubilization and Biocontrol of Fungal Phytopathogens. Trends in Sciences, 23(6), 12479. Retrieved from https://tis.wu.ac.th/index.php/tis/article/view/12479

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Vol. 23 No. 6 (2026): Trends in Sciences, Volume 23, Number 6, June 2026

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