sp. nov.: a novel yeast isolated from subtropical regions in Japan.

Seven yeast strains, NBRC 11072, NBRC 11076, NBRC 11078, NBRC 11080, NBRC 116645, NBRC 116646 and NBRC 116647, were isolated from the subtropical regions of Japan. The seven strains share identical nucleotide sequences in the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. Six strains (NBRC 11072, NBRC 11076, NBRC 11078, NBRC 11080, NBRC 116645 and NBRC 116646) share identical mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (COX II) sequences as well, while NBRC 116647 differs from them by one substitution in this region.

Yeast Diversity in Wine Grapes from Japanese Vineyards and Enological Traits of Indigenous Strains.

Japan has numerous vineyards with distinct geographical and climatic conditions. To the best of our knowledge, there is no comprehensive analysis of the diversity of yeasts associated with wine grapes from Japan. This study aimed to determine yeast diversity in wine grapes from four wine-producing regions in Japan and to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of wines produced with indigenous strains isolated from two regions.

f.a., sp. nov., a novel yeast isolated from flowers.

Three yeast isolates, NBRC 115909, NBRC 115910 and NBRC 116270, were isolated from (red clover) flowers collected from Kisarazu, Chiba, Japan. Analysis of the sequences of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions revealed that these isolates represent a single novel species within the genus . Also, no ascospore formation was observed.

Metschnikowia miensis f.a., sp. nov., isolated from flowers in Mie prefecture, Japan.

Four yeast strains (RIFY 10001, RIFY 10002, RIFY 10003, and RIFY 10004) were isolated from flowers growing in fields of mustard and broad beans in Japan. Ascospore formation was not observed. Sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit ribosomal RNA (LSU rRNA) gene of the four strains indicated that they belong to the genus Metschnikowia and are closely related to Metschnikowia hawaiiana strain CBS 9146 and Metschnikowia orientalis strain CBS 10331.