Production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by yeasts isolated from the ascocarps of black (Tuber melanosporum Vitt.) and white (Tuber magnatum Pico) truffles

Arch Microbiol. 2005 Nov;184(3):187-93. doi: 10.1007/s00203-005-0043-y. Epub 2005 Nov 10.

Abstract

Twenty-nine yeast strains were isolated from the ascocarps of black and white truffles (Tuber melanosporum Vitt. and Tuber magnatum Pico, respectively), and identified using a polyphasic approach. According to the conventional taxonomic methods, MSP-PCR fingerprinting and sequencing of the D1/D2 domain of 26S rDNA, the strains were identified as Candida saitoana, Debaryomyces hansenii, Cryptococcus sp., Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and Trichosporon moniliiforme. All isolates assimilated L: -methionine as a sole nitrogen source and produced the volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 2-methyl butanol, 3-methyl butanol, methanethiol, S-methyl thioacetate, dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, dimethyl trisulfide, dihydro-2-methyl-3(2H)-thiophenone and 3-(methylthio)-1-propanol (MTP). ANOVA analysis of data showed significant (P<0.01) differences in VOCs produced by different yeasts, with MTP as the major component (produced at concentrations ranging from 19.8 to 225.6 mg/l). In addition, since some molecules produced by the isolates of this study are also characteristic of truffle complex aroma, it is possible to hypothesize a complementary role of yeasts associated with this ecosystem in contributing to final Tuber spp. aroma through the independent synthesis of yeast-specific volatile constituents.

MeSH terms

  • Ascomycota*
  • DNA / chemistry
  • DNA / genetics
  • DNA Fingerprinting
  • DNA, Fungal / analysis
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Methionine / metabolism
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Organic Chemicals / chemistry
  • Organic Chemicals / metabolism*
  • RNA, Ribosomal / genetics
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Yeasts / classification
  • Yeasts / genetics
  • Yeasts / isolation & purification*
  • Yeasts / metabolism*

Substances

  • DNA, Fungal
  • Organic Chemicals
  • RNA, Ribosomal
  • RNA, ribosomal, 26S
  • DNA
  • Methionine

Associated data

  • GENBANK/DQ000207
  • GENBANK/DQ000211
  • GENBANK/DQ000219
  • GENBANK/DQ000221
  • GENBANK/DQ000222