Investigating Interactions Between Yeasts and Bacteria in Pitcher Plant Fluid
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Leonora Bittleston, Boise State University; and Fiona Harrigian, Boise State University
Presentation Date
7-16-2026
Abstract
Yeasts are commonly found within fluid from plants all over the world. Sarracenia purpurea, or the purple pitcher plant, is a species of carnivorous plant that captures insects and prey in cup shaped leaves, creating complex and isolated microbial communities. In pitcher ecosystems, the microbial community contributes to decomposing the insect prey, which is vital for the growth of the plant host. However, interactions between yeasts and bacteria are still largely unknown. In this study, we aim to characterize interactions between 2 yeast species and 2 bacterial species isolated from S. purpurea fluid. This will be accomplished by performing pairwise co-cultures in cricket media and comparing the colony forming unit counts for each species. By determining how each species affects the growth of the others, we can increase our understanding of interspecies competition and co-existence in the pitcher plant ecosystem.
Investigating Interactions Between Yeasts and Bacteria in Pitcher Plant Fluid
Yeasts are commonly found within fluid from plants all over the world. Sarracenia purpurea, or the purple pitcher plant, is a species of carnivorous plant that captures insects and prey in cup shaped leaves, creating complex and isolated microbial communities. In pitcher ecosystems, the microbial community contributes to decomposing the insect prey, which is vital for the growth of the plant host. However, interactions between yeasts and bacteria are still largely unknown. In this study, we aim to characterize interactions between 2 yeast species and 2 bacterial species isolated from S. purpurea fluid. This will be accomplished by performing pairwise co-cultures in cricket media and comparing the colony forming unit counts for each species. By determining how each species affects the growth of the others, we can increase our understanding of interspecies competition and co-existence in the pitcher plant ecosystem.