today more than 100 species of this genus are known. Some of them interfere with the fermentation process for alcohol production. In winemaking. some species of phichia can create potential faults in wines. most are found in decaying plants, some live in close symbiosis with insects, which live on decaying plants.
Some Pichia representatives can be found in raw milk and cheese, such as P.anomola (formerly named Hansenula anomola). P.anomola has been shown to combat the undersirable mold Aspergillus flavus, which contaminates food sources such as tree nuts and corn, and product aflatoxins. In addition to inhibiting A. flavus, the yeast may also help protect other agricultural crops from unwanted molds that affect the crop's taste, texture, yield, and safety