Analysis of microbial communities in local cultivars of astringent persimmon (Diospyros kaki) fruits grown in Gyeongnam Province of Korea

Abstract

Aim: The objective of the present study was to characterize the microbial communities within the stalks of astringent persimmons fruits grown locally in Korea and two commercial herbal products (kaki calyx-Korean & kaki calyx-Chinese, using pyrosequencing based on 16S and 18S genes. o Methodology: 'Gojongsi' sample was collected from Sancheong province, 'Danseongsi' from Sancheong province and 'Bansi' from Miryang province during different seasons (October to December) from Korea Forest Environment Research Institute at Gyeongsangnam-do. Thirteen samples were divided into four groups A, B, C and D. Group A consisted of three kinds of undried stalks collected in October. Group B consisted of three kinds of dried stalks and surfaces of persimmons collected in December. Group C consisted of two Korean herbal medicines (Kaki Calyx) sold in Korea which are commercial products. Group D consisted of two Chinese herbal medicines (Kaki Calyx) sold in China. Thirteen samples cultured in Luria-Bertani broth and potato dextrose broth under specific conditions were collected using sterile streaking sticks and placed into sterile plastic conical tubes. Results: Metschnikowia sp. was the dominant microorganism in groups A and B compared with those of groups C and D on the hit map. Metschnikowiasp. were detected in group A and B (stalks of herbal medicines without the Online C manufacturing process). Metschnikowia sp. was amplified for identification. The results of sequence analysis of 18S rDNA gene showed that there were no matches greater than 97%. Therefore, the Metschnikowia sp. identified in this study may be anovels pecies. Interpretation: The present study provides information on various microorganisms isolated from nature's fruits and provides a list of microorganisms that can be experimented later