Mrakia polaris sp. nov. and Mrakia amundsenii sp. nov. (Mrakiaceae, Cystofilobasidiales), two novel psychrophilic yeast species isolated from Arctic habitats.

Four yeast strains belonging to the basidiomycetous yeast genus Mrakia were isolated from diverse habitats in the Ny-Ålesund region (Svalbard, High Arctic): two from vascular plants, one from seawater and one from freshwater. Phylogenetic analysis, based on the ITS region and the D1/D2 domain of the 28S rRNA gene, identified these four strains as representing two novel species within the genus Mrakia. The names Mrakia polaris sp. nov. (MycoBank number: MB 852063) and Mrakia amundsenii sp. nov. (MycoBank number: MB 852064) are proposed. These two new species show distinct psychrophilic adaptations, as they exhibit optimal growth at temperatures between 10 and 15°C, while being unable to grow at 25°C. The holotype of M. polaris sp. nov. is CPCC 300345T, and the holotype of M. amundsenii sp. nov. is CPCC 300572T.

Zygotorulaspora dagestanica sp. nov., a novel ascomycetous yeast species associated with the Georgian honeysuckle (Lonicera iberica M. Bieb.).

During an investigation of the yeast communities associated with wild fruit shrubs in Dagestan (Caucasus, Russia), four fermenting ascospore-producing yeast strains were isolated from leaves of the Georgian honeysuckle (Lonicera iberica M. Bieb.) and from soil underneath this plant. Phylogenetic analyses based on concatenated sequences of the ITS region and D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene and concatenated sequences of the ribosomal DNA cystron, RPB2 and TEF1 genes showed that the isolated strains represented a new species of the genus Zygotorulaspora. The new species was placed in the basal position to other species of the clade and close to Zygotorulaspora mrakii. Based on the results of phylogenetic analyses and the phenotypic characteristics of the four studied strains, a novel species is described, for which the name Zygotorulaspora dagestanica sp. nov. is proposed. The holotype is KBP Y-4591T, three metabolically inactive cryopreserved isotype cultures are DSM 100088, VKM Y-3060 and VKPM Y-4318. The MycoBank number is MB 838285.

Phialemoniopsis limonesiae sp. nov. causing cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis in an immunosuppressed woman.

Rare or opportunistic fungal infections are mostly described in immunosuppressed patients. We present a case of a cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis that developed on the dorsal foot in an immunosuppressed woman suffering from AIDS, caused by a novel Phialemoniopsis species. It clinically presented as an indurated violaceous plaque, surmounted by nodules exuding a sero-purulent discharge. A filamentous fungus was isolated from pus and cutaneous biopsy. ITS and LSU sequences phylogenetically resolved the fungus as an unknown species of Phialemoniopsis, which is an unresolved family within Sordariomycetes. In this study we describe the new species as Phialemoniopsis limonesiae, which clusters on a single branch clearly separated from its closest phylogenetic neighbours. This new strain showed low MIC to itraconazole, voriconazole and posaconazole.

Cyberlindnera sylvatica sp. nov., a yeast species isolated from forest habitats.

Five yeast strains isolated from forest habitats in Hungary and Germany were characterized phenotypically and by sequencing of the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA gene and the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) region of the rRNA gene. The strains have identical D1/D2 domain and ITS region sequences. By sequence comparisons, Candida mycetangii and Candida maritima were identified as the closest relatives among the currently recognized yeast species. The DNA sequences of the investigated strains differ by 1.2 % (six substitutions) in the D1/D2 domain and by 3.5 % (12 substitutions and eight indels) in the ITS region from the type strain of C. mycetangii (CBS 8675T) while by 1.2 % (six substitutions and one indel) in the D1/D2 domain and by 7 % (32 substitutions and seven indels) in the ITS region from the type strain of C. maritima (CBS 5107T). Because the intraspecies heterogeneity seems to be very low and the distance to the most closely related species is above the commonly expected level for intraspecies variability Cyberlindnera sylvatica sp. nov. (holotype, CBS 16335T; isotype, NCAIM Y.02233T; MycoBank no., MB 835268) is proposed to accommodate the above-noted five yeast strains. Phenotypically the novel species can be distinguished from C. mycetangii and C. maritima by the formation of ascospores. Cyberlindnera sylvatica forms one or two hat-shaped ascospores per ascus on many different media as well as well-developed pseudohyphae and true hyphae. Additionally, we propose the transfer of three anamorphic members of the Cyberlindnera americana sub-clade to the genus Cyberlindnera as the following new taxonomic combinations Cyberlindnera maritima f.a., comb. nov., Cyberlindnera mycetangii f.a., comb. nov. and Cyberlindnera nakhonratchasimensis f.a., comb. nov.

The budding yeast life cycle: More complex than anticipated?

The budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has served as a model for nearly a century to understand the principles of the eukaryotic life cycle. The canonical life cycle of S. cerevisiae comprises a regular alternation between haploid and diploid phases. Haploid gametes generated by sporulation are expected to quickly restore the diploid phase mainly through inbreeding via intratetrad mating or haploselfing, thereby promoting genome homozygotization. However, recent large population genomics data unveiled that heterozygosity and polyploidy are unexpectedly common. This raises the interesting paradox of a haplo-diplobiontic species being well-adapted to inbreeding and able to maintain high levels of heterozygosity and polyploidy, thereby suggesting an unanticipated complexity of the yeast life cycle. Here, we propose that unprogrammed mating type switching, heterothallism, reduced spore formation and viability, cell-cell fusion and dioecy could play key and uncharted contributions to generate and maintain heterozygosity through polyploidization.

Identification and antifungal susceptibility of Saprochaete clavata from invasive infections in Turkey.

Saprochaete clavata is an emerging opportunistic pathogen, that causes life-threatening infections, but there are limited evidence and information about the evaluation of in vitro antifungal susceptibility test results. The aim of this study was to determine S. clavata isolates from clinical specimens and to investigate their in vitro antifungal susceptibility. S. clavata was identified by API ID20C AUX (BioMérieux, Brussels, Belgium), MALDI TOF (Bruker Daltonik, Germany), and ITS gene region sequencing. In vitro susceptibility tests were performed using Sensititre YeastOne (TREK Diagnostic System, East Grinstead, UK). During the study period, 4,736 fungi were isolated from various clinical samples and, S. clavata was identified in eight patients with underlying diseases namely, pancreatic neoplasma, acute myeloid leukaemie, follicular lymphoma, cholelithiasis. Anidulafungin and micafungin minimum inhibitory concentration values were 1-2 and 1-4 mg/L, respectively, while those of the azole group antifungals were much lower. This is the first study in Turkey reporting isolation, identification and antifungal susceptibilities of S. clavata from clinical specimens. Higher MIC values seen in some isolates suggest that continuous monitoring of sensitivity rates and observation of regional differences will thus be useful guides in determining infection control and antifungal use policies.

Candida nivariensis: Identification strategy in mycological laboratories.

Candida nivariensis is a cryptic fungal species classified within the Candida glabrata complex. It was described for the first time in 2005 by the means of DNA sequencing. We report a rare case of C. nivariensis deep-seated infection occurring in a 77-year-old man hospitalized for cysto-prostatectomy. Phenotypic testing based on the direct examination and the macroscopic features of the in vitro culture initially suggested C. glabrata species, while MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry enables correct identification. The isolate was found resistant to fluconazole, like in almost 20% of the reported cases. Herein, we present our practical strategy to reliably characterize this rare cryptic species. To date, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry-based analysis showed very good results for such a purpose.

Blastobotrys baotianmanensis sp. nov. and Blastobotrys xishuangbannaensis f.a., sp. nov., two novel yeast species associated with insects and rotting wood.

Five yeast strains were isolated from the gut of the groundbeetle Pterostichus gebleri and rotting wood, which were collected from two different localities in China. These strains were identified as representing two novel species of the genus Blastobotrys through comparison of sequences in the D1/D2 domains of the LSU rRNA gene and other taxonomic characteristics. Blastobotrys baotianmanensis sp. nov. produces two to three spherical ascospores per ascus, and is most closely related to the type strains of B. elegans, B. capitulata, B. arbuscula, and an undescribed species represented by strain BG02-7-20-006A-3-1. Blastobotrys baotianmanensis sp. nov. differed from these strains by 3.6-8.4 % divergence (21-46 substitutions and 0-4 gaps) in the D1/D2 sequences. Blastobotrys xishuangbannaensis f.a., sp. nov. is closely related to B. nivea, B. elegans and B. aristata but the formation of ascospores was not observed on various sporulation media, and it differed from its relatives by 6.2-8.5 % divergence (34-43 substitutions and 2-6 gaps) in the D1/D2 sequences. The holotype of Blastobotrys baotianmanensis sp. nov. is NYNU 1581 and the holotype of Blastobotrys xishuangbannaensis f.a., sp. nov. is NYNU 181030.

Polyphasic studies of new species of Diaporthe from native forest in Chile, with descriptions of Diaporthe araucanorum sp. nov., Diaporthe foikelawen sp. nov. and Diaporthe patagonica sp. nov.

During a survey of fungi in native forests in Chile, several unidentified isolates of Diaporthe were collected from different hosts. The isolates were characterized based on DNA comparisons, morphology, culture characteristics and host affiliation, in accordance with previous descriptions. Phylogenetic analysis of the ITS region, combined with partial tub2 and tef1 genes, showed that the isolates formed three distinct groups representing three new taxa. The three new species of Diaporthe, Diaporthe araucanorum on Araucaria araucana, Diaporthe foikelawen on Drimys winteri and Diaporthe patagonica on Aristotelia chilensis are described and illustrated in the present study.

Fourteen novel lipomycetaceous yeast species isolated from soil in Japan and transfer of Dipodascopsis anomala to the genus Babjevia based on ascospore production phenotype.

Fourteen novel lipomycetaceous yeasts species were isolated from soil samples collected from the Hokkaido, Chiba and Okinawa prefectures of Japan. Phylogenetic analyses of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNAs and translation elongation factor 1 alpha genes (TEF1-α) revealed that five strains of two species from the soil in Furano-shi, Hokkaido were related to Dipodascopsis anomala and 29 strains representing 12 species from soils in Kamogawa-shi, Chiba and Iriomote Island, Okinawa were in the Myxozyma clade. The two species of Dipodascopsis form globose or ellipsoid ascospores in their sac-like ascus and pseudohyphae. Furthermore, these species produce ascospores in their pseudohyphae and do not produce an acicular ascus, which is common among the three species including D. anomala. Therefore, we propose transferring D. anomala to the genus Babjevia and amending Babjevia. Two novel species were described and included in the genus Babjevia: Babjevia hyphoforaminiformans sp. nov. (holotype NBRC 111233; MycoBank no. MB 829051) and Babjevia hyphasca sp. nov. (holotype NBRC 112965; MycoBank no. MB 829053). The 12 species in the Myxozyma clade produce neither ascospores nor pseudohyphae and have different characteristics in assimilating several carbon sources from each other. Thus, we propose that the novel species of Lipomyces be classified as forma asexualis (f.a.). From Kamogawa-shi, Chiba (19 strains representing five species): Lipomyces melibiosiraffinosiphilus f.a., sp. nov. (holotype NBRC 111411; MycoBank no. MB 829034), Lipomyces kiyosumicus f.a., sp. nov. (holotype NBRC 111424; MycoBank no. MB 829035), Lipomyces chibensis f.a., sp. nov. (holotype NBRC 111413; MycoBank no. MB 829036), Lipomyces kamogawensis f.a., sp. nov. (holotype NBRC 112967; MycoBank no. MB 829037), Lipomyces amatsuensis f.a., sp. nov. (holotype NBRC 111420; MycoBank no. MB 829041). From Iriomote island, Okinawa (10 strains representing seven species): Lipomyces taketomicus f.a., sp. nov. (holotype NBRC 112966; MycoBank no. MB 829042), Lipomyces yaeyamensis f.a., sp. nov. (holotype NBRC 110433; MycoBank no. MB 829050), Lipomyces iriomotensis f.a., sp. nov. (holotype NBRC 110436; MycoBank no. MB 829045), Lipomyces haiminakanus f.a., sp. nov. (holotype NBRC 110435; MycoBank no. MB 829046), Lipomyces komiensis f.a., sp. nov. (holotype NBRC 110440; MycoBank no. MB 829047), Lipomyces nakamensis f.a., sp. nov. (holotype NBRC 110434; MycoBank no. MB 829048), Lipomyces sakishimensis f.a., sp. nov. (holotype NBRC 110439; MycoBank no. MB 829049).

Dihydroisocoumarins produced by Diaporthe cf. heveae LGMF1631 inhibiting citrus pathogens.

Citrus black spot (CBS) and post-bloom fruit drop (PFD), caused by Phyllosticta citricarpa and Colletotrichum abscissum, respectively, are two important citrus diseases worldwide. CBS depreciates the market value and prevents exportation of citrus fruits to Europe. PFD under favorable climatic conditions can cause the abscission of flowers, thereby reducing citrus production by 80%. An ecofriendly alternative to control plant diseases is the use of endophytic microorganisms, or secondary metabolites produced by them. Strain LGMF1631, close related to Diaporthe cf. heveae 1, was isolated from the medicinal plant Stryphnodendron adstringens and showed significant antimicrobial activity, in a previous study. In view of the potential presented by strain LGMF1631, and the absence of chemical data for secondary metabolites produced by D. cf. heveae, we decided to characterize the compounds produced by strain LGMF1631. Based on ITS, TEF1, and TUB phylogenetic analysis, strain LGMF1631 was confirmed to belong to D. cf. heveae 1. Chemical assessment of the fungal strain LGMF1631 revealed one new seco-dihydroisocoumarin [cladosporin B (1)] along with six other related, already known dihydroisocoumarin derivatives and one monoterpene [(-)-(1S,2R,3S,4R)-p-menthane-1,2,3-triol (8)]. Among the isolated metabolites, compound 5 drastically reduced the growth of both phytopathogens in vitro and completely inhibited the development of CBS and PFD in citrus fruits and flowers. In addition, compound 5 did not show toxicity against human cancer cell lines or citrus leaves, at concentrations higher than used for the inhibition of the phytopathogens, suggesting the potential use of (-)-(3R,4R)-cis-4-hydroxy-5-methylmellein (5) to control citrus diseases.

In vitro potential antioxidant activity of indigenous yeasts isolated from virgin olive oil.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vitro antioxidant activity of yeast strains isolated from virgin olive oil. METHODS AND RESULTS: The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging activity of single cultures of 24 yeast strains belonging to eight species isolated from virgin olive oil was evaluated and compared with that of the reference yeast Saccharomyces boulardii. All the yeasts studied in vitro showed antioxidant activity similar to or superior to that of the reference yeast. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in Nakazawaea wickerhamii, which exceeded the value reached by the reference strain S. boulardii, while the significantly lowest values were observed in the Candida adriatica, Candida diddensiae and Barnettozyma californica strains. Tests performed with virgin olive oil enriched with Wickerhamomyces anomalus and S. boulardii yeast biomasses showed a positive correlation between the microbial biomass used and the percentage of antioxidant activity observed during 60 days of storage. Survival in virgin olive oil was also significantly higher for W. anomalus compared to S. boulardii. CONCLUSIONS: All the oil-borne yeasts studied showed DPPH free-radical scavenging activity in both aqueous and oily media. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: For the first time, the antioxidant activity of the microbiota of virgin olive oil is reported. This activity may indicate the probiotic characteristics of the microbiota.

Assessment of chemical composition and sensorial properties of ciders fermented with different non-Saccharomyces yeasts in pure and mixed fermentations.

This work presents the attempt to enhance the flavor complexity of cider fermented by different non-Saccharomyces species. Pichia kluyveri and Hanseniaspora vineae pure cultures were used as reference ciders. Mixed cultures between all 4 species gave 5 fermentations, where Hanseniaspora uvarum or Torulaspora quercuum were included for apple juice fermentation. Chemical composition and sensorial properties of all ciders were studied. The results indicated that the growth of P. kluyveri and H. vineae were interreacted and also affected by H. uvarum and T. quercuum. H. vineae was more capable of consuming sugar than P. kluyveri. Ciders from the single culture fermentation with P. kluyveri (Pk), as well as from mixed fermentation with P. kluyveri and H. uvarum (Pk-Hu), had high residual sugar, sugar/acid ratio, and glucose-fructose consumption ratio. Large shifts in the consumption and production of organic acids and polyphenols among all ciders were observed. The calculation of the relative odor activity value (rOAV) showed that 17 volatile compounds had an rOAV >1 in at least one sample, and acetate esters and ethyl esters were the groups with the highest number of volatile compounds of importance to the cider aroma. Among these 17 compounds, 3-methylbutyl acetate, 2-methylbutyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl octanoate, and ß-damascenone exhibited high rOAVs in some ciders and might contribute fruity, floral, and sweet features to the cider aroma. Besides, the tropical fruity aroma from 3-methylbutyl acetate was only perceived in Pk and Pk-Hu. The partial least squares regression (PLSR) analysis revealed that acetate esters contributed positively to the roasted and cooked odor of all ciders. This is the first study evaluating simultaneous fermentation of two non-Saccharomyces yeasts to produce cider, which provides new insights into cider production.

Kazachstania jinghongensis sp. nov. and Kazachstania menglunensis f.a., sp. nov., two yeast species isolated from rotting wood.

Five yeast strains were isolated from rotting wood samples collected in the Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest, Yunnan Province, PR China. Phylogenetic analysis of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene indicated that these strains represent two novel species of the genus Kazachstania. Kazachstania jinghongensis sp. nov. produces one to two spherical ascospores per ascus, and is most closely related to Kazachstania lodderae and Kazachstania spencerorum. Kazachstania jinghongensis sp. nov. differed from the type strains of the two latter species by 13-24 substitutions in the D1/D2 domains and by 39-56 substitutions in the ITS regions. Kazachstania menglunensis f.a., sp. nov. is a member of the Kazachstania jiainica subclade, but the formation of ascospores was not observed on various sporulation media. Kazachstania menglunensis sp. nov. differed from other members of the subclade by 23-26 substitutions in the D1/D2 domains and by more than 67 substitutions in the ITS regions. The holotype of Kazachstania jinghongensis sp. nov. is NYNU 17944 (CBS 15232) and the holotype of Kazachstania menglunensis sp. nov. is NYNU 18913 (CBS 16054).

Genome sequence of the opportunistic human pathogen Magnusiomyces capitatus.

The yeast Magnusiomyces capitatus is an opportunistic human pathogen causing rare yet severe infections, especially in patients with hematological malignancies. Here, we report the 20.2 megabase genome sequence of an environmental strain of this species as well as the genome sequences of eight additional isolates from human and animal sources providing an insight into intraspecies variation. The distribution of single-nucleotide variants is indicative of genetic recombination events, supporting evidence for sexual reproduction in this heterothallic yeast. Using RNAseq-aided annotation, we identified genes for 6518 proteins including several expanded families such as kexin proteases and Hsp70 molecular chaperones. Several of these families are potentially associated with the ability of M. capitatus to infect and colonize humans. For the purpose of comparative analysis, we also determined the genome sequence of a closely related yeast, Magnusiomyces ingens. The genome sequences of M. capitatus and M. ingens exhibit many distinct features and represent a basis for further comparative and functional studies.

Candida species in tchapalo and bangui, two traditional alcoholic beverages from Côte d'Ivoire.

The increase of infections due to non-Candida albicans species made it very necessary to conduct adequate characterization to be able to identify the species of Candida isolated from traditional fermented foods. In this study, based on their hue on Candida Chromogenic Agar medium, a total of 136 yeast strains were isolated from tchapalo and bangui. Molecular identification based on PCR-RFLP of internal transcribed spacers of rDNA (ITS) and sequencing of the ITS and the D1/D2 regions allowed us to assign these isolates to seven species: Candida tropicalis, Candida inconspicua, Candida rugosa, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Hanseniaspora guilliermondii, Trichosporon asahii. With the respect to each beverage, six species were found among with four species are regarded as opportunistic pathogens. From these, C. tropicalis, C. inconspicua and K. marxianus were the most commonly encountered. The enzyme activities of the potential pathogens assessed using API ZYM system showed that almost strains had esterase, esterase lipase, valine and cystine arylamidase, alpha chymotrypsin, alkaline phosphatase and naphthol phosphohydrolase activities. The activity of α-glucosidase was found only in C. tropicalis and C. inconspicua strains isolated from tchapalo while ß-glucosidase activity was found in all strains from tchapalo and only in C. inconspicua isolated from bangui.

Identification of Ophiocordyceps sinensis and Its Artificially Cultured Ophiocordyceps Mycelia by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography/Orbitrap Fusion Mass Spectrometry and Chemometrics.

Since the cost of Ophiocordyceps sinensis, an important fungal drug used in Chinese medicine, has increased dramatically, and the counterfeits may have adverse health effects, a rapid and precise marker using the peptide mass spectrometry identification system could significantly enhance the regulatory capacity. In this study, we determined the marker peptides in the digested mixtures of fungal proteins in wild O. sinensis fruiting bodies and various commercially available mycelium fermented powders using ultra-performance liquid chromatography/Orbitrap Fusion mass spectrometry coupled with chemometrics. The results indicated the following marker peptides: TLLEAIDSIEPPK (m/z 713.39) was identified in the wild O. sinensis fruiting body, AVLSDAITLVR (m/z 579.34) was detected in the fermented O. sinensis mycelium powder, FAELLEK (m/z 849.47) was found in the fermented Ophiocordyceps mycelium powder, LESVVTSFTK (m/z 555.80) was discovered in the artificial Ophiocordyceps mycelium powder, and VPSSAVLR (m/z 414.75) was observed in O. mortierella mycelium powder. In order to verify the specificity and applicability of the method, the five marker peptides were synthesized and tested on all samples. All in all, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that mass spectrometry has been employed to detect the marker peptides of O.sinensis and its related products.

Kuraishia mediterranea sp. nov., a methanol-assimilating yeast species from olive oil and its sediment.

Six yeast strains isolated from olive oil sediments and spoiled olive oils originating from Slovenia and Portugal, respectively, proved to represent an undescribed yeast species based on DNA sequence comparisons. The analysis of gene sequences for internal transcribed spacer regions and the large subunit rRNA gene D1/D2 domain placed the novel species in the genus Kuraishia in a subclade containing Kuraishiacapsulata, the type species of the genus. Although the novel species is well separated genetically from the recognized species of the genus, only a minor phenotypic difference differentiating it from Kuraishia capsulata and K. molischiana was observed. Relevant to its isolation source, no lipolytic activity was detected in the strains of the novel species. To accommodate the above-noted strains, Kuraishia mediterranea sp. nov. (holotype: ZIM 2473T; isotype: CBS 15107T; MycoBank no.: MB 822817) is proposed.

Variation of the meiotic recombination landscape and properties over a broad evolutionary distance in yeasts.

Meiotic recombination is a major factor of genome evolution, deeply characterized in only a few model species, notably the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Consequently, little is known about variations of its properties across species. In this respect, we explored the recombination landscape of Lachancea kluyveri, a protoploid yeast species that diverged from the Saccharomyces genus more than 100 million years ago and we found striking differences with S. cerevisiae. These variations include a lower recombination rate, a higher frequency of chromosomes segregating without any crossover and the absence of recombination on the chromosome arm containing the sex locus. In addition, although well conserved within the Saccharomyces clade, the S. cerevisiae recombination hotspots are not conserved over a broader evolutionary distance. Finally and strikingly, we found evidence of frequent reversal of commitment to meiosis, resulting in return to mitotic growth after allele shuffling. Identification of this major but underestimated evolutionary phenomenon illustrates the relevance of exploring non-model species.

Ogataea neixiangensis sp. nov. and Ogataea paraovalis f.a., sp. nov., two methanol-assimilating yeast species isolated from rotting wood.

Four yeast strains were isolated from rotting wood samples collected in the Baotianman Nature Reserve in Henan Province, central China. The sequences of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer regions showed that these four strains represent two different undescribed yeast species belonging to the Ogataea clade. Ogataea neixiangensis sp. nov. produces two to four hat-shaped ascospores per ascus, and its closest relative among recognized species is Candida nitratophila. Ogataea paraovalis f.a., sp. nov. is closely related to Candida ovalis but the formation of ascospores was not observed on various sporulation media. The type strain of O. neixiangensis sp. nov. (MycoBank number MB 820697) is NYNU 16951T (=CICC 33166T=CBS 14695T), and the type strain of O. paraovalis f.a., sp. nov. (MycoBank number MB 820698) is NYNU 167106T (=CICC 33168T=CBS 14697T).