MIXED CULTURE OF LACTOBACILLUS-HILGARDII AND LEUCONOSTOC-OENOS ISOLATED FROM ARGENTINE WINE

Growth, sugar and organic acid metabolism of Lactobacillus hilgardii X (1)B and Leuconostoc oenos X(2)L isolated from Argentinian wine were e xamined in pure and mixed cultures. In mixed culture Leuc. oenos X(2)L did not grow, no viable cells were detected after 24 h, but the consu mption of glucose and fructose by Lact. hilgardii was higher. An incre ase of mannitol and acetic acid production was detected during the ear ly stages of growth. Over 12 h, higher levels of D(-) lactic acid and slightly increased levels of L(+) lactic acid were observed. Citric an d malic acid were simultaneously metabolized, but a slight increase in citric acid consumption was observed in mixed culture.