A yeast-diversity survey in Doi Tung Forest, Chiang Rai, isolated three strains from soil and rotten wood that differed from known taxa. Integrated morphology, phylogeny, biochemistry, and physiology supported the proposal of a new species, Zygoascus doitungensis.
Key findings
- The isolates formed a supported lineage in the Zygoascus clade at 100% ML and 1.00 posterior probability. Sequence divergence, distinct nutrient-utilization patterns, and differences in high-temperature growth provided a polyphasic basis rather than reliance on a single marker.
Why this matters globally
Northern Thai forests sit within a biodiversity hotspot. Documenting microbial species with reference sequences supports conservation monitoring, evolutionary research, and future screening of biological traits without prematurely claiming utility.
Thai researcher contribution
Mae Fah Luang University and Kasetsart University contributed field sampling in Thailand, fungal taxonomy, and phylogenetic analysis, grounding the new species scientifically and geographically in Doi Tung.
Limitations to consider
Only three strains from limited sampling were studied. Distribution, prevalence, genetic variation, ecological role, and risk remain unknown. Taxonomic distinction does not demonstrate commercial function, and accessible deposition of type cultures and sequences is essential.