SHIFTS IN METABOLISM AND MORPHOLOGY OF RHODOCOCCUS FASCIANS WHEN DEBITTERING SYNTHETIC CITRUS JUICES IN THE ABSENCE OF AERATION

Rhodococcus fascians showed two different morphologies, coccoid pink ( CP) and ovoid white (OW), with different growth kinetics and limonin c onsumption on citrus synthetic juices (45 mg limonin/l) under non-aera ting conditions. In separate experiments, the CP form reached nearly 9 0% of limonin consumption on citrus synthetic juices at pH 4.0 and abs ence of aeration whereas the OW form only 50% under the same condition s. Under anaerobic conditions the CP form was transformed to the OW fo rm within 48 h, its limonin consumption being reduced up to 50% after 144 h fermentation.