To isolate and identify the yeast strains associated with D. morbifera, homogenized D. morbifera root samples were spread onto GPY, DG18, SCG and DOB agar media containing antibiotics, Triton X-100, and l-sorbose. Total 81 yeast isolates were analyzed by sequencing of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal DNA. The results showed that the root-associated yeast species were composed of the genera Vanderwaltozyma (40 isolates), Cryptococcus (40 isolates), and Kluyveromyces (one isolate). Moreover, the Kluyveromyces isolate exhibited high bioethanol productivity. In addition, the Vanderwaltozyma and Cryptococcus were dominant in D. morbifera roots. The specific yeast community associated with D. morbifera roots was identified by phylogenetic sequence analyses. These yeast isolates may have industrial applications as biosurfactant and bioethanol.

• Jong-Shik Kim(Gyeongbuk Institute for Marine Bio-Industry (GIMB), Uljin 36315, Republic of Korea)
• Dae-Shin Kim(World Heritage Office, Jeju Special Self-Governing Provincial Government, Jeju 63341, Republic of Korea)
• Suk-Hyung Ko(World Heritage Office, Jeju Special Self-Governing Provincial Government, Jeju 63341, Republic of Korea)