New rapid PCR protocol based on high‐resolution melting analysis to identify Saccharomyces cerevisiae and other species within its genus

AIMS: Selection projects aiming at the identification of new Saccharomyces strains are always on going as the use of the suitable yeast can strongly improve fermented food production, particularly winemaking. They are mainly targeted on Saccharomyces cerevisiae, but other species in the Saccharomyces genus are of interest. For this reason, more and more efficient molecular techniques for yeast identification able to accelerate yeast selection process are always needed. Among the Saccharomyces genus, four yeasts are widespread in natural environments: S. cerevisiae; S. uvarum; S. kudriavzevii and S. paradoxus. Therefore, among the Saccharomyces species, their discrimination is of great interest. METHODS AND RESULTS: A two-step protocol is proposed. Firstly the Saccharomyces genus identification is achieved by multiplex PCR analysis. Then, the Saccharomyces species is determined by a new method based on high-resolution melting analysis (HRMA). CONCLUSIONS: For HRMA two primer pairs have been proposed. The first was able to achieve the simultaneous identification of the four widespread Saccharomyces species, the second was used for the unambiguous discrimination of S. cerevisiae within its taxonomical genus. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This assay allowed an easy, rapid and simultaneous discrimination of S. cerevisiae, S. uvarum and S. paradoxus during yeast selection programs.