Modification of the API Rapid CH System for Characterization of Leuconostoc oenos

¹ Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center, Washington State University, Prosser, WA 99350-9687.

Microbiological methods used to evaluate fermentation characteristics of strains of Leuconostoc oenos were compared since previous research indicated that fewer carbohydrates were fermented by L. oenos using the API system than determined by conventional test tube methods. Using commercially available strains (ML-34, PSU-1, OENO, and MCW), the API system was modified by decreasing the pH of the inoculating medium from pH 7 to 5.2, overlaying cupules with sterile mineral oil, and increasing the incubation period to 28 days. These changes resulted in fermentation patterns similar to those determined by the test tube method.

Key words: Leuconostoc oenos

Submitted on October 9, 1990