Saturnispora sinensis sp. nov., a new ascomycetous yeast species from soil and rotten wood.

A yeast strain (CGMCC 2.6937T) belonging to the ascomycetous yeast genus Saturnispora was recently isolated from soil collected in Xinghuacun, Shanxi Province, PR China. The strain produces one or two ellipsoid or spherical ascospores in asci formed by the conjugation between a cell and its bud. Phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA gene suggest that this strain is conspecific with strains NYNU 14639 isolated from rotten wood collected in Funiu Mountain, Henan province and ES13S05 from soil collected in Nantou County, Taiwan. The CGMCC 2.6937T group is most closely related to Saturnispora dispora and Saturnispora zaruensis. However, strain CGMCC 2.6937T differs from S. dispora by 17 (3.2 %, 13 substitutions and four gaps) and 77 (18.8 %, 52 substitutions and 25 gaps) mismatches, and from S. zaruensis by 15 (2.9 %, 12 substitutions and three gaps) and 64 (15.6 %, 44 substitutions and 20 gaps) mismatches, in the D1/D2 domain and ITS region, respectively. The results suggest that the CGMCC 2.6937T group represents an undescribed species in the genus Saturnispora, for which the name Saturnispora sinensis sp. nov. is proposed. The holotype strain is CGMCC 2.6937T.

Diddensiella parasantjacobensis f.a., sp. nov., a yeast species from forest habitats.

Six conspecific yeast strains, representing an undescribed species, were isolated from rotten wood collected in different locations in Hungary and Germany and an additional one from fungal fruiting body in Taiwan. The seven strains share identical nucleotide sequences in the D1/D2 domain of the nuclear large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene. The Hungarian and Taiwanese isolates share identical internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences as well, while the two German isolates differ from them merely by three substitutions and four indels in this region. The investigated strains are very closely related to Diddensiella santjacobensis. Along their LSU D1/D2 domain they differ only by one substitution from the type strain of D. santjacobensis. However, in the ITS region of Hungarian and Taiwanese strains we detected 3.5 % divergence (nine substitutions and nine indels) between the undescribed species and D. santjacobensis, while the German strains differed by 13 substitutions and nine indels from D. santjacobensis. This ITS sequence divergence has raised the possibility that the strains investigated in this study may represent a different species from D. santjacobensis. This hypothesis was supported by comparisons of partial translation elongation factor 1-α (EF-1α) and cytochrome oxidase II (COX II) gene sequences. While no difference and 1-2 substitutions among the partial EF-1α and COX II gene sequences of the strains of the undescribed species, respectively, were detected; the undescribed species differ by about 4 % (36 substitutions) and 10 % (50-51 substitutions) from D. santjacobensis in these regions. Parsimony network analysis of the partial COX II gene sequences also separated the investigated strains from the type strain of D. santjacobensis. In this paper we propose Diddensiella parasantjacobensis f.a., sp. nov. (holotype: NCAIM Y.02121; isotypes: CBS 17819, DSM 114156) to accommodate the above-noted strains.

Wickerhamomyces sinyiensis f.a., sp. nov., a new ascomycetous yeast species in the Wickerhamomyces clade isolated in Taiwan.

This study describes Wickerhamomyces sinyiensis, a new anamorphic ascomycetous yeast species, four strains of which were isolated from soil and the fruiting body of a mushroom in Taiwan between 2006 and 2007. Analysis of the sequences of the large-subunit rRNA, small-subunit rRNA and elongation factor-1α identified this species as a member of the Wickerhamomyces clade. The yeast strains of W. sinyiensis exhibited a 0-3 nucleotide difference in the sequences of the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA when compared to one another and a 10 and 11 nucleotide difference when compared to Candida sp. BG99-11-14-10-4-1 and NRRL Y-7574, the closest undescribed species, respectively. The yeast strains differed by 77 and 78 nucleotides from W. orientalis and W. bispora, the close Wickerhamomyces species, respectively. The internal transcribed spacer sequences of the four isolates exhibited a divergence of 106-108 substitutions from the recognized species W. xylosivorus. No sexual reproduction was observed. The strains differed from those of related species in terms of their carbon and nitrogen assimilation patterns. Therefore, this study proposes W. sinyiensis f.a., sp. nov. to accommodate these four strains, with W. sinyiensis BCRC 23185T (isotype CBS 11432T; MycoBank number MB563484) as the holotype.

Wickerhamiella osmotolerans sp. nov. and Wickerhamiella tropicalis sp. nov., novel ascomycetous yeast in the family Wickerhamiellaceae.

Seven yeast strains, DMKU VGT1-14T, DMKU VGT1-19T, DMKU-JMGT1-28, DMKU-JMGT1-32, DMKU VGT2-06, DMKU VGT2-19 and DMKU VGT6-14, were isolated from a grease trap in Thailand and two strains, SJ-1 and SN-102 were isolated from the sea surface microlayer in Taiwan. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics and sequence analysis of the D1/D2 region of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, these strains represented two novel yeast species of the genus Wickerhamiella. In terms of pairwise sequence similarity, four strains, DMKU VGT1-14, DMKU-JMGT1-32, DMKU VGT6-14 and SN-102, were closely related to Wickerhamiella infanticola NRRL Y-17858T but differed by 13 nucleotide substitutions with one gap (2.46 %) in the D1/D2 domain of the LSU rRNA gene and 15 nucleotide substitutions with 23 gaps (4.2 %) in the ITS region. The strains DMKU VGT1-19T, DMKU-JMGT1-28, DMKU VGT2-06, DMKU VGT2-19 and SJ-1, differed from the type strain of the most closely related species, Wickerhamiella sorbophila NRRL Y-7921T, by nine nucleotide substitutions with one gap (1.66 %) in the D1/D2 domain of the LSU rRNA gene and nine nucleotide substitutions with 17 gaps (2.52%) in the ITS region. Hence, the names Wickerhamiella osmotolerans sp. nov. and Wickerhamiella tropicalis sp. nov. are proposed to accommodate these species in the genus Wickerhamiella. The holotypes are W. osmotolerans DMKU VGT1-14T (ex-type strain TBRC 11425=PYCC 8359=CGMCC 2.6179; Mycobank number 833394) and W. tropicalis DMKU VGT1-19T (ex-type strain TBRC 11426=PYCC 8360=CGMCC 2.6180; Mycobank number 833393).

Taxonomy of the yeast genus Vanderwaltozyma and proposal of Vanderwaltozyma meishanica sp. nov., Vanderwaltozyma huisunica sp. nov., and Vanderwaltozyma molinica sp. nov.

Using electrophoretic karyotyping, RAPD fingerprinting and phylogenetic analysis of ribosomal RNA gene sequences, twenty-six Vanderwaltozyma strains were studied. Out of 19 strains isolated in mountainous areas of Taiwan, eighteen strains were isolated from soil and one strain was isolated from the fruiting body of mushroom, six were identified as V. polyspora and three as V. verrucispora. Based on the results of a multigene sequence analysis (D1/D2, ITS and mitochondrial COX II gene) and DNA-DNA reassociation, three new ascosporic members of the genus Vanderwaltozyma are formally described: V. huisunica sp. nov. (GA1S06T = CBS 12250T = BCRC 23260T), V. meishanica sp. nov. (EN4S02T = CBS 12249T = BCRC 23255T) and V. molinica sp. nov. (GJ8S05T = CBS 12251T = BCRC 23264T), and the holotypes of these novel species are assigned as BCRC 23260T, BCRC 23255T and BCRC 23264T, respectively.

Teunomyces basidiocarpi sp. nov. and Teunomyces luguensis sp. nov., two ascomycetous yeast species related to the Candida kruisii clade isolated in Taiwan.

Four strains of anamorphic yeasts isolated from the fruiting bodies of mushrooms collected in Taiwan were found to represent two novel yeast species belonging to the genus Teunomyces, which was formally known as the Candida kruisii clade. Strains NY13M09T and NY14M14 were related to the type strains of Teunomyces panamensis, T. pallodes, T. tritomae and T. lycoperdinae, and strains GG4M07T and GG6M14 were related to T. kruisii NRRL Y-17087T and T. cretensis NRRL Y-27777T. However, strains NY13M09T and NY14M14 differed from their closest phylogenetic neighbours by 2.9-3.7 % in the D1/D2 domain sequence of the LSU rRNA gene and by 6.6-13.7 % in the internal transcribed spacer (ITS); GG4M07T and GG6M14 differed from their closest known species by 2.4 % in the D1/D2 domain sequence of the LSU rRNA gene and by 8.7-10.0 % in the ITS. Meanwhile, these strains were also clearly distinguished from their closest relatives based on the results of physiological tests. Based on the characteristics described above, the strains could be regarded as representing two novel species of the genus Teunomyces, for which the names Teunomyces basidiocarpi sp. nov. and Teunomyces luguensis sp. nov. are proposed. The holotypes are Teunomyces basidiocarpi BCRC 23475T and Teunomyces luguensis BCRC 23476T.

Vishniacozyma changhuana sp. nov., and Vishniacozyma taiwanica sp. nov., two novel yeast species isolated from mangrove forests in Taiwan.

Mangroves grow in the intertidal zone, which alternates between fresh water and sea water, with abundant bioresources. In mangrove habitats, yeasts play an important role in the decomposition of organic matter, and such nutrient cycling has high ecological importance. During a study of the diversity of yeast from Taiwan mangroves, seven strains of basidiomycetous yeasts were isolated and these yeasts represent two novel yeast species belonging to the genus Vishniacozyma. According to the sequences of the D1/D2 domain of large subunit (LSU) rRNA and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, these seven strains could be clearly classified into two groups representing two individual, distinct species. Strains HM5L06, HM6L07, HM11L11 and BJ3S01, differed from their closest relative species Vishniacozyma phoenicis by 4-5 nt substitutions (no gaps) in the sequences of the D1/D2 domain of LSU rRNA and by 23 nt substitutions (10 gaps) in the ITS region. Strains HM6L11, HM7L02 and HM8L19, differed from their closest relative species Vishniacozyma penaeus by 7 nt substitutions (one gap) in the sequences of the D1/D2 domain of LSU rRNA and by 27 nt substitutions (12 gaps) in the ITS region. The scientific names of Vishniacozyma taiwanica sp. nov. and Vishniacozyma changhuana sp. nov. are proposed for these strains. The holotypes are Vishniacozyma taiwanica BCRC 23477T (ex-type HM5L06=CBS 16558; MycoBank number MB837428) and Vishniacozyma changhuana BCRC 23478T (ex-type HM6L11=CBS 16556; MycoBank number MB837429).

Cystobasidium keelungensis sp. nov., a novel mycosporine producing carotenogenic yeast isolated from the sea surface microlayer in Taiwan.

Cystobasidium keelungensis SN2T (CBS 6949 = BCRC 920080), a new anamorphic basidiomycetous yeast species, is described in this paper. The strains belonging to this species were isolated from the sea surface microlayer and underlying water in Taiwan. These strains were identified by examining nucleotide sequences in the species-specific D1/D2 domains of the large subunit (LSU) ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and by evaluating their physiological characteristics. Phylogenetic analyses of D1/D2 sequences revealed that C. keelungensis was most closely related to the species C. slooffiae (LSU rRNA gene sequence divergence of 1.5%), and it belonged to the Erythrobasidium clade. No sexual reproduction was observed. This species differed from related species in carbon and nitrogen assimilation patterns and growth at 35 °C. Screening C. keelungensis for the presence of UV-absorbing compounds showed that mycosporine-glutaminol-glucoside and mycosporine-glutamicol-glucoside (maximum absorption: 310 nm) were the major UV-absorbing compounds, which differ from the compounds present in some freshwater yeast strains reported in previous studies. After UV induction, SN2 had a higher level of mycosporine production than other carotenogenic yeasts in this study.

Ogataea haglerorum sp. nov., a novel member of the species complex, Ogataea (Hansenula) polymorpha.

Three strains representing a novel species of the Ogataea clade were isolated by W. T. Starmer and H. J. Phaff from rotting tissue of Opuntia phaeacantha in Arizona, USA. Analyses of the sequences of the D1/D2 LSU rRNA gene, ITS1-5.8S-ITS2, and translation elongation factor-1α (EF-1 α) showed that this novel species belongs to the Ogataea polymorpha complex formed by Ogataea angusta, Ogataea parapolymorpha and Ogataea polymorpha. The novel species differs from these species by 4-5 nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 domain, by 28-29 nucleotide substitutions in the EF-α gene and by 18-24 nucleotide substitutions and 2-5 indels in the ITS-5.8S region. The name Ogataea haglerorum sp. nov. is proposed for this novel species. The type strain is VKPM Y-2583T (=CBS 14645T=UCDFST 17-101T). The Mycobank number is MB 819772.

Fruits as the vehicle of drug resistant pathogenic yeasts.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the diversity and drug susceptibility of pathogenic yeasts on fruit surfaces. METHOD: Fruits were purchased from supermarkets and washed with buffer. The pellets were re-suspended in medium after centrifugation. The cell suspensions were plated onto CHROMagar Candida medium. Yeasts were identified by ribosomal DNA sequencing and their drug susceptibilities were determined by broth microdilution assay. RESULTS: Of 184 isolates, comprised of 55 species, from 22 different types of fruits, 29 species, including Candida famata, Candida fermentati, Candida guilliermondii, Candida intermedia, Candida krusei, Candida orthopsilosis, Candida parapsilosis, Candida pelliculosa, Candida tropicalis, and others have been reported to cause diseases in humans. In addition to C. krusei, intrinsically resistant to fluconazole, all Rhodotorula and Rhodosporidium species were resistant to fluconazole. One each of C. tropicalis isolate was belonged to diploid sequence type (DST)149 and DST225, genotypes also detected in isolates from humans. Furthermore, the DST225 isolate was less susceptible to azole drugs. The susceptibilities to azole drugs for clinical and agricultural usage were associated to each other. CONCLUSION: It is important to be aware of the existence of pathogenic yeasts, especially drug-resistant ones, on the fruit surfaces, a potential route for pathogenic yeasts to be transmitted to humans.

Diversity of yeasts associated with the sea surface microlayer and underlying water along the northern coast of Taiwan.

Yeast communities inhabiting the sea surface microlayer (SSML) on the northern coast of Taiwan were examined using a cultivation method and compared with those inhabiting the underlying water (UW) at a 50-cm depth. Culturable yeasts were recovered from the SSML and UW samples collected in the morning during 4 field campaigns, and 420 strains were isolated. The 420 isolates were grouped into 43 species using a polyphasic molecular approach, including sequence analysis of the 26S rDNA D1/D2 domain and 5.8S-ITS region. From the SSML samples, 12 genera and 39 species, including 7 new species of Cryptococcus sp. (1), Candida spp. (4), and Rhodotorula spp. (2), were isolated. From the UW samples, 10 genera and 21 species, including one new species of Rhodotorula sp. (1), were isolated. Rhodotorula mucilaginosa was the most abundant species present in the yeast community in SSML (37.6%) and UW (21.6%) samples. Basidiomycetous yeasts (63.6%) and pigmented yeasts (64.5%) comprised the major yeast population. The yeast community in the SSML had a higher species number and abundance than the UW. Moreover, although the majority of yeast community species were from the SSML, individual species distribution in the SSML was unequal.

Hydrocarbons, the advanced biofuels produced by different organisms, the evidence that alkanes in petroleum can be renewable.

It is generally regarded that the petroleum cannot be renewable. However, in recent years, it has been found that many marine cyanobacteria, some eubacteria, engineered Escherichia coli, some endophytic fungi, engineered yeasts, some marine yeasts, plants, and insects can synthesize hydrocarbons with different carbon lengths. If the organisms, especially some native microorganisms and engineered bacteria and yeasts, can synthesize and secret a large amount of hydrocarbons within a short period, alkanes in the petroleum can be renewable. It has been documented that there are eight pathways for hydrocarbon biosynthesis in different organisms. Unfortunately, most of native microorganisms, engineered E. coli and engineered yeasts, only synthesize a small amount of intracellular and extracellular hydrocarbons. Recently, Aureobasidium pullulans var. melanogenum isolated from a mangrove ecosystem has been found to be able to synthesize and secret over 21.5 g/l long-chain hydrocarbons with a yield of 0.275 g/g glucose and a productivity of 0.193 g/l/h within 5 days. The yeast may have highly potential applications in alkane production.

Cyberlindnera xylosilytica sp. nov., a xylitol-producing yeast species isolated from lignocellulosic materials.

Independent surveys of yeasts associated with lignocellulosic-related materials led to the discovery of a novel yeast species belonging to the Cyberlindnera clade (Saccharomycotina, Ascomycota). Analysis of the sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene showed that this species is related to C. japonica, C. maesa and C. easanensis. Six isolates were obtained from different sources, including rotting wood, tree bark and sugar cane filter cake in Brazil, frass from white oak in the USA and decayed leaf in Taiwan. A novel species is suggested to accommodate these isolates, for which the name C. xylosilytica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of C. xylosilytica sp. nov. is NRRL YB-2097(T) ( = CBS 13984(T) = UFMG-CM-Y347(T)) and the allotype is UFMG-CM-Y409 ( = CBS 14083). The novel species is heterothallic and complementary mating types are represented by the type and allotype strains. The MycoBank number is MB 811428.

Hannaella phyllophila sp. nov., a basidiomycetous yeast species associated with plants in Thailand and Taiwan.

Five strains representing one novel anamorphic yeast species were isolated from plant leaves collected in Thailand (strains DMKU-SP186(T), ST-111 and ST-201) and Taiwan (strains FN20L02 and SM13L16). On the basis of morphological, biochemical, physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics and sequence analysis of the D1/D2 region of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, they were assigned to a single novel species of the genus Hannaella. The sequences of the D1/D2 regions of the LSU rRNA genes of four of the strains (DMKU-SP186(T), ST-111, FN20L02 and SM13L16) were identical, while differing from strain ST-201 by 2 substitutions and 2 gaps. The nucleotide sequence of the ITS regions of the five strains differed from each other by between 0 and 3 nucleotide substitutions. The novel species was most closely related to Hannaella luteola, but showed 1.0-1.3% nucleotide substitutions (between 6 substitutions out of 568-606 nt and 8 substitutions, and 2 gaps out of 597 nt) in the D1/D2 region of the LSU rRNA gene and 1.4-2.0% nucleotide substitutions (6-9 substitutions out of 435 nt) in the ITS region. Ballistospores were produced by three of the strains on cornmeal agar at 15 and 20 °C after 4 weeks, while H. luteola did not produce ballistospores. The name Hannaella phyllophila sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DMKU-SP186(T) ( = BCC 69500(T) = NBRC 110428(T) = CBS 13921(T)).

Taxonomy of Aureobasidium spp. and biosynthesis and regulation of their extracellular polymers.

The genus Aureobasidium spp. have been divided into three species, A. pullulans. A. leucospermi and A. proteae, and A. pullulans has been known to have five varieties. However, after analysis of many strains of this yeast isolated from different environments, they do not belong to any of the three species or the five varieties. Although pullulan produced by A. pullulans has been widely used in different fields in industry and different strains of this yeast has been known to produce poly(ß-L-malic acid) (PMA), heavy oils and ß-1,3-glucan, it is still unknown how the black yeast synthesizes and secretes the extracellular polymers at molecular level. In this review article, new biosynthetic pathways of pullulan, PMA and heavy oils, the enzymes and their genes related to their biosynthesis and regulation are proposed. Furthermore, some enzymes and their genes related to pullulan biosynthesis in A. pullulans have been characterized. But it is completely unknown how pullulan is secreted and how PMA, heavy oils and ß-1,3-glucan are synthesized and secreted. Therefore, there is much work to be done about taxonomy and biosynthesis, secretion and regulation of pullulan, PMA, heavy oils and ß-1,3-glucan at molecular levels in Aureobasidium spp.

Hannaella pagnoccae sp. nov., a tremellaceous yeast species isolated from plants and soil.

Several independent surveys of yeasts associated with different plant materials and soil led to the proposal of a novel yeast species belonging to the Tremellales clade (Agaricomycotina, Basidiomycota). Analysis of the sequences of the D1/D2 domains and internal transcribed spacer region of the large subunit of the rRNA gene suggested affinity to a phylogenetic lineage that includes Hannaella coprosmaensis, Hannaella oryzae and Hannaella sinensis. Thirty-two isolates were obtained from different sources, including bromeliads, nectar of Heliconia psittacorum (Heliconiaceae), flowers of Pimenta dioica (Myrtaceae), roots and leaves of sugar cane (Saccharum spp.) in Brazil, leaves of Cratoxylum maingayi, Arundinaria pusilla and Vitis vinifera in Thailand, soil samples in Taiwan, and prairie soil in the USA. Sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit of the rRNA gene showed that the novel species differs from Hannaella coprosmaensis and Hannaella oryzae by 36 and 46 nt substitutions, respectively. A novel species is suggested to accommodate these isolates, for which the name Hannaella pagnoccae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BI118(T) ( = CBS 11142(T) = ATCC MYA-4530(T)).

Wickerhamomyces arborarius f.a., sp. nov., an ascomycetous yeast species found in arboreal habitats on three different continents.

Five strains representing a novel yeast species belonging to the genus Wickerhamomyces were independently isolated from Ecuador, Taiwan and the USA. One strain (CLQCA 10-161(T)) was isolated from the white flower of an unidentified plant species collected in the Maquipucuna cloud forest reserve, near Quito, in Ecuador. A second strain (GY7L12) was isolated from the leaf of a Chinese sumac or nutgall tree (Rhus chinensis 'roxburghiana') collected in the Taoyuan mountain area, Kachsiung, in Taiwan. Three additional strains (A543, A546 and A563) were isolated from two species of wood-boring beetle (Xyleborus glabratus and Xyleborinus saxeseni) collected near Clyo, Georgia, USA. Analysis of the D1/D2 domains of the LSU rRNA gene indicated that the novel species belongs to the genus Wickerhamomyces, and is most closely related to Wickerhamomyces sydowiorum, an insect-associated species predominantly found in South Africa. The North American and Taiwanese strains have identical internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences and can be distinguished from the Ecuadorian strain based on a single nucleotide substitution in the ITS1 region. The species name of Wickerhamomyces arborarius f.a., sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate these strains, with CLQCA 10-161(T) ( = CBS 12941(T) = NCYC 3743(T)) designated the type strain.

Identifying and characterizing Yarrowia keelungensis sp. nov., an oil-degrading yeast isolated from the sea surface microlayer.

Ascomycetous yeast strain SM-22 was isolated from the sea-surface microlayer near the Keelung City off the northern coast of Taiwan. This strain showed a cell surface hydrophobicity higher than 90 %, moderate UV A/B resistance, and it degraded 68 % of the total petroleum hydrocarbon content of an artificial seawater medium containing 1 % (v v(-1)) diesel oil within 15 days at 25 °C. The closest phylogenetic relative of this strain is Candida oslonensis CBS 10146(T), but it differs from strain SM-22 by a 3.7 % divergence (including 18 nucleotide substitutions and 2 gaps) in the D1/D2 domain sequence of the large subunit rRNA gene. This difference clearly suggests that the strain SM-22 represents a distinct species. Strain SM-22 does not produce ascospores on common sporulation media and it can therefore be considered an anamorph of the genus Yarrowia. Thus, the name Yarrowia keelungensis sp. nov. (type strain SM-22(T) = BCRC 23110(T) = JCM 14894(T) = CBS 11062(T)) is proposed as a novel species of genus Yarrowia.

Wickerhamiella slavikovae sp. nov. and Wickerhamiella goesii sp. nov., two yeast species isolated from natural substrates.

Two novel yeast species were isolated during three independent studies of yeasts associated with natural substrates in Brazil and Taiwan. Analysis of the sequences of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene showed that these novel species belong to the Wickerhamiella clade. The first was isolated from freshwater and a leaf of sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum) in Brazil and from leaves of Wedelia biflora in Taiwan. Described here as Wickerhamiella slavikovae sp. nov., it differs by 56 nucleotide substitutions and 19 gaps in the D1/D2 region of the large subunit rRNA gene from Candida sorbophila, the least divergent species. The second species, named Wickerhamiella goesii sp. nov., was isolated from leaves and the rhizosphere of sugar cane collected in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The species differs by 54 nucleotide substitutions and nine gaps in the D1/D2 domains from Candida drosophilae, its least divergent relative. The type strains are Wickerhamiella slavikovae sp. nov. IMUFRJ 52096(T) (= CBS 12417(T) = DBVPG 8032(T)) and Wickerhamiella goesii sp. nov. IMUFRJ 52102(T) (= CBS 12419(T) = DBVPG 8034(T)).