Culture-independent analysis for determination of yeast diversity during solid substrate fermentation of grated cassava for gari production

Yeast diversity during fermentation of grated cassava for gari production in Nigeria was studied using culture independent methods based on Eukarya18S rDNA and the PCR-Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). DNA extracted directly from the grated cassava at different fermentation time regimes, as well as bulk cells generated from different viable count agar plates were used as template for amplification of 18S rDNA gene in a PCR experiment. Analysis of the 18S rDNA gene by sequencing of the PCR-DGGE band fragments revealed closest relative of Issatchenkia scutulata, Candida rugopelliculosa, Candida maritime, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii and Galactomyces geotricum as member of yeast community involved with the fermentation. PCR-DGGE can be useful for yeast in situ profiling during fermentation; this will contribute to safety of traditional fermented foods and optimization during large scale production of gari.