GROWTH AND METABOLISM OF SUGAR AND ACIDS OF LEUCONOSTOC-OENOS UNDER DIFFERENT CONDITIONS OF TEMPERATURE AND PH

The differences in the composition of culture media inoculated with st rains of Leuconostoc oenos were more quantitative than qualitative. Bo th temperature of incubation and pH significantly affected bacterial g rowth, the rates of substrate consumption and consequently the amount of metabolites produced. All strains degraded 5g l(-1) malate, except one at pH 3.5 and 25 degrees C. Malate was metabolized before glucose except at higher pH (4.0 and 4.5) and temperature (32 degrees C). Citr ate was completely metabolized and its consumption rate was pH- and te mperature-dependent. Neither acids contributed energy for growth as th e Y-glu remained constant in the presence or absence of acids. There w as a significant increase in fructose consumed at higher temperature. Also, the final concentration of mannitol was higher but not significa ntly different. The addition of acids, particularly citrate, significa ntly repressed mannitol formation.