PREDICTION OF GROWTH OF SPOILAGE YEASTS I N EXOTIC FRUIT JUICES AND NECTARS - EXAMPLE OF KLOECKERA-APIS IN GUAVA NECTAR

Kloeckera apis was isolated from some exotic fruits juices and nectars produced in Cameroon. Its growth in guava nectar was estimated by tur bidimetry under different storage temperature and pH conditions; using multiple linear regression, a mathematical model was developed to pre dict the effects of these two parameters on the maximal optical densit y of the yeast culture. According to the model, optimal growth conditi ons were 22 degrees C, pH 4.50 at a maximal optical density of 0.63 (a bout 20.5 x 10(6) CFU.ml(-1)). Predicted values agreed satisfactorily with observed values for maximal optical density. The model was applie d to the experimental values of maximal optical density obtained from the growth of Kloeckera apis in commercial guava nectar (pH 3.15), and to the growth in commercial guava nectar of Candida pelliculosa and C andida holmii also isolated from exotic fruits juices and nectars.