Endophytic yeasts in Malus domestica and Pyrus communis fruits under anthropogenic impact

Yeast abundance and species diversity on the surface and in inner tissues of Malus domestica and Pyrus communis fruits under high anthropogenic impact in the city of Moscow (Russia) were studied. Results demonstrated that abundance of epiphytic yeasts on the fruits increased gradually, reaching the maximum of 3.2 × 10⁴ CFU/g on mature fruits. During summer, abundance of endophytes did not change significantly (variation near 2.5 × 10³ CFU/g) until complete maturation, while in September their numbers increased to 104 CFU/g. Basidiomycetous yeasts (Filobasidium wieringae, F. magnum, Rhodotorula glutinis, and Rhodosporidiobolus colostri) predominated on the fruit surface. Ascomycetous species were the most diverse group inside the fruits, which quantitatively increased through maturation. It was found that the share of opportunistic species Candida parapsilosis in internal tissues was significant during the entire period of fruit formation and development under anthropogenic impact in the city. Specific properties of epiphytic and endophytic yeast communities developing in natural ecological niches under synanthropic conditions and anthropogenic impact are discussed.