Molecular characterization and identification of marine yeasts from coastal and offshore regions in the southeastern Arabian Sea

This study investigates the diversity and distribution of marine yeasts in southeastern Arabian Sea, focusing on coastal and offshore regions. Yeast strains were identified through ITS and D1/D2 domain rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Microscopic analysis was performed to examine budding patterns and cell morphology. A total of 45 yeast strains were isolated from water samples collected at various depths from locations, including Kochi, Kollam, Trivandrum, Rameswaram, and the coastal waters of the Lakshadweep Islands (Minicoy, Kalpeni, and Kavaratti). Morphologically, the yeast strains were predominantly oval to rod-shaped and clustered into six clades: Debaryomyces, Kodamaea, Meyerozyma, Starmerella (Ascomycota), Rhodotorula and Sterigmatomyces (Basidiomycota). Notably, Starmerella strains were the most abundant, particularly in coastal waters. Among them, S. etchellsii and M. caribbica exhibited significant dry weight and protein concentrations, ranging from 13.9% to 65.1%. This study expands the limited knowledge of marine yeast diversity in Indian waters and provides insights into their molecular identification and potential biotechnological applications.