The black yeast-like fungi Aureobasidium spp. are ubiquitous microorganisms found in a wide variety of extreme and benign environments as saprophytes, endophytes, and pathogens. Since this diverse genus includes species with potential uses in agriculture and the food industry, it is important that we explore their evolution and spread in the context of climate change. Aureobasidium spp. are known to be capable of producing a plethora of various metabolites, many of which find applications in the field in the control of plant pathogens. The present review aims to explain how these microorganisms can provide ecological and safe strategies that might be adopted in agricultural production systems and food processing. The versatility and potential of the Aureobasidium genus lie perfectly within the Sustainable Development Goals Agenda 2021–2030 by opening new horizons that are respectful to the environment and human health.
Keywords:
agriculture; environment; metabolites; species; yeasts
Fungi represent one of the most assorted forms of life with about 100,000 species already identified, and a vast number of species yet to be catalogued [1]. They are equipped with versatile metabolic pathways that allow them to fill important roles in ecological processes providing services for ecosystem functionality and human well-being [2].
Their crucial roles in ecosystems around the globe are obvious from their involvement in nutrient cycling, decom
This 2023 review comprehensively examined Aureobasidium species diversity, versatile metabolic capabilities, and agricultural/biotechnological applications, establishing the genus as a multifunctional platform organism.
The genus Aureobasidium demonstrates remarkable diversity across extreme environments from alpine to marine niches. Multiple species produce commercially valuable compounds: pullulan, β-glucan, melanin, and biocontrol compounds. The genus is emerging as a model for extreme environment biotechnology with applications spanning food, pharma, agriculture, and materials science.
Understanding Aureobasidium's evolutionary adaptability and metabolic versatility supports the scientific credibility of AP-glucan as a product from a robust, well-studied fungal platform. The genus' diverse applications reflect deep commercial and scientific validation of Aureobasidium biotechnology.
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Di Francesco A., Zajc J., Stenholt P., Gunde-Cimerman N., Frisvad J.. Aureobasidium spp.: Diversity, Versatility, and Agricultural Utility. Horticulturae. 2023. DOI: 10.3390/horticulturae9010059.
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