GEOTRICHUM GALACTOMYCETUM: INTRASPECIFIC PHYSIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY AND BIOTECHNOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF SIX STRAINS ISOLATED FROM POULTRY MANURE

Abstract

Geotrichum galactomycetum is an ascomycete fungus species with high levels of divergency and has seen a recent change in its classification. In this paper, I will discuss the morphological and physiological distinctions seen in six Ge. galactomycetum strains (13-01 to 13-06) for the first time. The strains were collected from poultry waste. Data will be presented regarding colony morphology, reproductive structures, temperature tolerance, and metabolic activity related to the usage of carbon and nitrogen, response to osmotic and ionic stress, and activity of various enzymes exhibited on different media. Five morphotypes were found to be distinct and growth rates ranged from 0.31 to 2.18 mm/day with intraspecific divergency seen as 2.6. Strains 13-02 and 13-06 demonstrated sexual reproduction via croziers and ascospores. In three strains, the presence of blastoconidia was noted and was dependent on time and medium for growth. Temperature studies indicated three distinct groups. Strains 13-02 and 13-06 were thermotolerant, 13-01, 13-03, and 13-04 were mesophilic, and 13-05 was psychrotrophic. 13-05 was the most distinct of the strains and is thought to possibly be a cryptic species. The two distinct trophic strategies seen were proteolytic or saccharolytic. The results indicated significant physiological variability among the Ge. galactomycetum strains, with implications for both fungal taxonomy and biotechnological applications.