Mycoflora and ochratoxin-producing strains of Aspergillus section Nigri in wine grapes in Argentina

AIMS: The aims of this work were to evaluate the mycoflora and to identify the species of Aspergillus with the potential to produce ochratoxin A (OA) from different wine grape varieties from Mendoza, Argentina. Likewise, the capacity to produce OA by Aspergillus section Nigri was studied. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty samples of wine grapes were obtained from a winery of Mendoza province, Argentina. The surface-disinfection method was used for mycoflora determination using the medium dichloran 18% glycerol agar (DG18). Alternaria, Aspergillus and Penicillium were identified at species level. OA production was tested in 63 strains belonging to section Nigri. Alternaria genus was the most frequent (80% of the samples) followed by Aspergillus (70%). Alternaria alternata was the only specie identified from the Alternaria genus, followed by A. niger var. niger, A. flavus among others. From Penicillium genus, P. crysogenum was the most frequent specie. From 63 strains of Aspergillus section Nigri, 41.3% were OA producers. The levels of produced toxin ranged from 2 to 24.5 ng ml-1 of culture medium. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of ochratoxigenic strains of Nigri section in this substrate suggests that they may be an important source of OA in grapes from tropical and subtropical zones. Therefore, the industry should work further to diminish the growth of these fungi and mycotoxins formation in grapes, with the aim to reduce OA content in wine products. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The wine grape contamination with A. alternata and Aspergillus section Nigri was significant.     

The production of 2,3-butanediol as a differentiating character in wine yeasts

The capacity to produce 2,3-butanediol by 90 strains of four different species of wine yeasts (Kloeckera apiculata, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomycodes ludwigii, Zygosaccharomyces bailii) was tested in grape must by automated multiple development HPTLC. The total amount of 2,3-butanediol produced varied between 23mg l–1 and 857.7mg l–1 according to the yeast species. S. cerevisiae and Z. bailii behaved similarly, producing elevated amounts of 2,3-butanediol. K. apiculata and Sc. ludwigii, in contrast, were low producers. When considerable amounts of 2,3-butanediol were found, little acetoin was present; the amounts of butanediol and acetoin were characteristic of the individual species.     

Survival of inoculated Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain on wine grapes during two vintages

AIMS: To investigate the influence of a specific ecological niche, the wine grape, on the survival and development of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. METHODS AND RESULTS: A strain with a rare phenotype was sprayed onto the grape surfaces and monitored through two vintages using a specific indicative medium and analysing the internal transcribed spacer regions in the 5.8S rDNA. During the ripening process, there was a progressive colonization of the surface of the undamaged and damaged grapes by epiphytic yeasts, up to the time of harvest. The damaged wine grapes showed a much greater epiphytic yeast population. However, the inoculated S. cerevisiae strain showed a scarce persistence on both undamaged and damaged wine grapes, and the damaged grapes did not appear to improve the grape surface colonization of this strain. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated that wine grape is not a favourable ecological niche for the development and colonization of S. cerevisiae species. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Results of this work are further evidence that S. cerevisiae is not specifically associated with natural environments such as damaged and undamaged wine grapes.     

Oenological properties of Hanseniaspora osmophila and Kloeckera corticis from wines produced by spontaneous fermentations of normal and dried grapes

Strains of Hanseniaspora osmophila and Kloeckera corticis, isolated from wines produced by spontaneous fermentations of normal and dried grapes, were characterized for their fermentation behavior with and without SO(2) at 25 degrees C. All isolates behaved as glucophilic yeasts and yielded ethanol at concentrations of about 9% (v/v); acetic acid, acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate and acetoin were always produced to high concentrations. SO(2) addition had no significant effect on growth yield and fermentation rate. These metabolic features were maintained in the presence of 400 g l(-1) of sugars and at 15 degrees C, and were quite similar to those shown by Saccharomycodes ludwigii. Therefore, H. osmophila and K. corticis should be considered detrimental yeast species, particularly in fermentations of musts from dried grapes.     

Screening for the production of extracellular hydrolytic enzymes by non-Saccharomyces wine yeasts

AIMS: The objective of this study was to investigate what types of enzymes are being produced by non-Saccharomyces yeasts isolated from grapes in South Africa vineyards and clarified grape juice. These enzyme profiles could pave the way for attributing specific effects in wine to some of these enzymes produced by so-called wild yeasts associated with grape must. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study 245 yeast isolates, belonging to the genera Kloeckera, Candida, Debaryomyces, Rhodotorula, Pichia, Zygosaccharomyces, Hanseniaspora and Kluyveromyces were screened for the production of extracellular pectinases, proteases beta-glucanases, lichenases, beta-glucosidases, cellulases, xylanases, amylases and sulphite reductase activity. These yeasts, representing 21 species, were previously isolated from grapes and clarified grape juice. The production of all extracellular hydrolytic enzymes screened for was observed except beta-glucosidase activity. The amount and range of enzymes produced varied with different isolates of the same species. CONCLUSION: This study clearly revealed the potential of non-Saccharomyces wine yeasts to produce a wide range of useful extracellular enzymes during the initial phase of wine fermentation. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Enzymes produced by indigenous yeasts associated with grapes and juice might be harnessed to catalyse desired biotransformations during wine fermentation.     

Evaluation of selective media for enumeration of yeasts during wine fermentation

The growth of individual species of yeasts during wine fermentations was measured by plating wine samples on malt extract, ethanol sulphite and lysine agars. Colonies of Saccharomyces cerevisiae dominated on plates of malt extract agar and sometimes masked the presence of other non- Saccharomyces species. Lysine agar suppressed the growth of S. cerevisiae and enabled the enumeration of non- Saccharomyces species such as Kloeckera apiculata, Candida stellata and Saccharomycodes ludwigii. The growth of non- Saccharomyces yeasts on ethanol sulphite agar was variable.     

Influence of grape treatment on the wine yeast populations isolated from spontaneous fermentations

AIM: To study the influence of different methods of grape treatment in wineries on the diversity of the yeast species in spontaneous fermentations. METHODS AND RESULTS: Grapes were crushed and pressed in three different ways followed by spontaneous fermentation. The same grape material picked and crushed aseptically directly in the vineyard served as control. Yeasts isolated at different stages of the fermentation were characterized by 5.8S-ITS-RFLP. Yeasts of the Saccharomyces sensu stricto complex were additionally analysed by microsatellite polymerase chain reaction fingerprinting. The diversity of yeast species isolated from winery fermentations was much greater than from the vineyard fermentation in respect to yeasts of the genus Saccharomyces as well as non-Saccharomyces. CONCLUSIONS: Oenonogical methods alter significantly the yeast diversity in spontaneous fermentations of grape juice. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Managing spontaneous fermentations successfully depends not only on choosing the suitable grapes but also on the crushing and pressing techniques leading to different yeast populations.     

Biotechnological suitability of Saccharomycodes ludwigii for fermented beverages

Nineteen Saccharomycodes ludwigii strains were tested for the production of secondary products in grape must fermentation. A predominant metabolic pattern characterized by high production of isobutyl alcohol, acetoin and ethyl acetate was obtained. The occurrence of some strains producing enhanced amounts of these compounds suggests a potential utilization of this species for industrial applications. Feijoa juice was inoculated with a selected S'codes ludwigii strain in comparison to a control strain of S. cerevisiae and evaluation of the fermented products was carried out by 30 consumers with respect to the odour, flavour and taste. The sample fermented by S'codes ludwigii was characterized by a fresh odour with a fruity flavour, identified as flavour of apple and kiwi-fruit. This product was compared to apple juice, with a more acid taste. Despite the high concentrations of acetic acid, this beverage might be considered a potential summer refreshing drink, addressed to a target of consumers who prefer fruit drinks that leave a slightly acid and little sugary taste in the mouth.     

Mycotoxin production from fungi isolated from grapes

AIMS: In order to assess the potential for producing mycotoxins, fungi were isolated from wine producing grapes. METHODS AND RESULTS: The isolates were identified and Penicillium expansum, the most well recognized mycotoxin producer, was analysed for mycotoxin production by TLC. Many of the strains produced patulin and/or citrinin, often depending on whether they were grown on a grape or yeast extract sucrose media. CONCLUSION: Citrinin was produced by all strains grown in the yeast extract sucrose medium, but only one strain (from 51) was able to produce this compound in grape juice medium. Patulin was produced in the yeast extract medium by 20 strains and in grape juice medium by 33 strains. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The presence of mycotoxins in wine producing grapes is discussed. Grapes contamination with patulin seems not to contribute to wine contamination, and no ochratoxin producing fungi was identified.     

Yeast diversity of Ghanaian cocoa bean heap fermentations

The fermentation of the Theobroma cacao beans, involving yeasts, lactic acid bacteria, and acetic acid bacteria, has a major influence on the quality of the resulting cocoa. An assessment of the microbial community of cocoa bean heap fermentations in Ghana resulted in 91 yeast isolates. These were grouped by PCR-fingerprinting with the primer M13. Representative isolates were identified using the D1/D2 region of the large subunit rRNA gene, internal transcribed spacer sequences and partial actin gene sequences leading to the detection of 15 species. Properties of importance for cocoa bean fermentation, namely sucrose, glucose, and citrate assimilation capacity, pH-, ethanol-, and heat-tolerance, were examined for selected isolates. Pichia kudriavzevii ( Issatchenkia orientalis ), Saccharomyces cerevisiae , and Hanseniaspora opuntiae formed the major components of the yeast community. Hanseniaspora opuntiae was identified conclusively for the first time from cocoa fermentations. Among the less frequently encountered species, Candida carpophila, Candida orthopsilosis, Kodamaea ohmeri, Meyerozyma ( Pichia ) caribbica, Pichia manshurica, Saccharomycodes ludwigii , and Yamadazyma ( Pichia ) mexicana were not yet documented from this substrate. Hanseniaspora opuntiae was preferably growing during the earlier phase of fermentation, reflecting its tolerance to low pH and its citrate-negative phenotype, while no specific temporal distribution was recognized for P. kudriavzevii and S. cerevisiae .     

Influence of Planococcus ficus on Aspergillus section Nigri and ochratoxin A incidence in vineyards from Argentina

Aim: The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of Planococcus ficus infection in red wine grapes on Aspergillus section Nigri and ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination. Methods and Results: During 2006/2007 and 2008/2009 vintages, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties divided into two categories of grape samples (undamaged and damaged by P. ficus) were evaluated. Regardless of the grape variety and the harvest season evaluated, Aspergillus section Nigri incidence and the mean OTA concentration in damaged berries were significantly higher than that in the undamaged ones (P < 0·05; P < 0·001). The Merlot variety showed the highest level of black aspergilli contamination in damaged grapes during the 2006/2007 vintage (53·5% of infection), whereas Malbec presented the highest incidence during the 2008/2009 vintage (57·6% of infection). The Cabernet Sauvignon variety showed the highest OTA levels, ranging from 0·1 to 140 μg kg^?1. Conclusions: The presence of P. ficus in vineyards increased the risk of OTA occurrence in grapes, suggesting the need to implement insect control at preharvest stage to reduce the entry of OTA in the wine production chain. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study is the first report on the influence of P. ficus on the potential risk of OTA contamination in grapes.     

MALDI-TOF MS Supplementary database for species identification employing the yeast diversity encountered on southern Brazil grapes

The study of grape microflora is of interest when autochthonous yeasts, which are related to typical wine characteristics, are intended to be used in winemaking. The election of matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) as the first method for yeast identification was based on its accuracy and rapidity compared to alternative laboratory protocols for identification. The aims of this study are to consolidate the MALDI-TOF MS Supplementary database for environmental yeasts already constructed, to expand it through the addition of standard spectra of not included yeast species, and to discuss the grape microflora encountered in Southern Brazil. A total of 358 strains, isolated from grape berries, were submitted to protein profiling employing Biotyper and Supplementary database. Molecular biology techniques were used as alternatives to identify 6.4% of strains not promptly designated by protein profiling. These strains corresponded to the species Candida californica, Zygoascus meyerae, Candida akabanensis, Candida azyma, and Hanseniaspora vineae. The MALDI-TOF MS spectra of the identified species were added to Supplementary database. The presented results strengthen the need for further expansion of the mass spectra database to broaden its microbiological application.     

Yeast identification in grape juice concentrates from Argentina

Aims: The purpose of this study was to identify yeast species present in spoiled and unspoiled grape juice concentrates from Argentine industries. Methods and Results: Osmophilic and osmotolerant yeasts were isolated from spoiled – visually effervescent – and unspoiled – without any visible damage – grape juice concentrates by the spread‐plate technique in two culture media. Yeast identification was done by classical and molecular methods. Zygosaccharomyces rouxii was the only species isolated from spoiled grape juice concentrates. In unspoiled samples, five different species were identified: Z. rouxii was isolated at a higher frequency, followed in decreasing order by Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Pichia anomala and Kluyveromyces delphensis. Conclusions: Yeasts isolated from grape juice concentrates were characterized by a limited taxonomic diversity, where Z. rouxii was the main species isolated. Significance and Impact of the Study: Grape production in Argentina is mainly devoted to the industry where wine and grape juice concentrates represent major types of commercial products. Little information on common yeast contaminants is available for grape juice concentrates. This study constitutes the first report of osmophilic yeast species present in spoiled and unspoiled grape juice concentrates elaborated in Argentina.     

葡萄果粒表皮酵母菌多样性研究

从新疆、甘肃、陕西、宁夏、山东主要酿酒葡萄产区收集葡萄果粒并分离得到酵母258株,利用26S rDNA的D1/D2区序列分析并结合形态学、生理学特征对这些菌株进行了分类学研究,探讨了这些地区葡萄果粒表皮酵母的物种多样性及其分布.共鉴定出13属26种,其中优势属为汉逊酵母属Hanseniaspora(5种),假丝酵母属Candida(4种),毕赤酵母属Pichia(4种)和伊萨酵母属Issatchenkia(2种).对分离自不同地域的同种内不同菌株进行了D1/D2序列分析比较,以探讨不同地理起源地酵母种内序列稳定性及其变异.     

葡萄果粒表皮酵母菌多样性研究

从新疆、甘肃、陕西、宁夏、山东主要酿酒葡萄产区收集葡萄果粒并分离得到酵母258株, 利用26S rDNA的D1/D2区序列分析并结合形态学、生理学特征对这些菌株进行了分类学研究, 探讨了这些地区葡萄果粒表皮酵母的物种多样性及其分布。共鉴定出13属26种, 其中优势属为汉逊酵母属Hanseniaspora(5种), 假丝酵母属Candida(4种), 毕赤酵母属Pichia(4种)和伊萨酵母属Issatchenkia(2种)。对分离自不同地域的同种内不同菌株进行了D1/D2序列分析比较, 以探讨不同地理起源地酵母种内序列稳定性及其变异。     

Yeast biodiversity and dynamics during sweet wine production as determined by molecular methods

In this study we investigated yeast biodiversity and dynamics during the production of a sweet wine obtained from dried grapes. Two wineries were selected in the Collio region and grapes, grape juices and wines during fermentations were analyzed by culture-dependent methods (plating on WLN medium) and culture-independent methods (PCR-DGGE). Moreover, the capability of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae starter cultures to take over the fermentation was assessed by RAPD-PCR. On WLN agar several species of non-Saccharomyces yeasts (Hanseniaspora, Metschnikowia, Pichia, Candida, Torulaspora and Debaryomyces), but also strains of S. cerevisiae, were isolated. After inoculation of the starter cultures, only colonies typical of S. cerevisiae were observed. Using PCR-DGGE, the great biodiversity of moulds on the grapes was underlined, both at the DNA and RNA level, while the yeast contribution started to become important only in the musts. Here, bands belonging to species of Candida zemplinina and Hanseniaspora uvarum were visible. Lastly, when the S. cerevisiae isolates were compared by RAPD-PCR, it was determined that only in one of the fermentations followed, the inoculated strain conducted the alcoholic fermentation. In the second fermentation, the starter culture was not able to promptly implant and other populations of S. cerevisiae could be isolated, most likely contributing to the final characteristics of the sweet wine produced.     

Sour rot-damaged grapes are sources of wine spoilage yeasts

Yeast species of sound and sour rot-damaged grapes were analysed during fermentation and grape ripening in the vineyard, using general and selective culture media. During 2003 and 2004 vintages, microvinifications were carried out with sound grapes to which different amounts of grapes with sour rot were added. The wine spoilage species Zygosaccharomyces bailii was only recovered during fermentations with sour rot, reaching 5.00 log CFU mL(-1) (2003) and 2.48 log CFU mL(-1) (2004) at the end of fermentation. The study of yeast populations during the sour rot ripening process (2005 vintage) showed that the veraison-damaged grapes always exhibited higher total yeast counts and a much greater diversity of species. From a total of 22 ascomycetous species, 17 were present only in damaged grapes. The most frequent species were Issatchenkia occidentalis and Zygoascus hellenicus. The spoilage species Z. bailii and Zygosaccharomyces bisporus were consistently isolated exclusively from damaged grapes. This work demonstrates that one of the most dangerous wine spoilage species, Z. bailii, is strongly associated with sour rot grapes and survives during fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The use of selective media provides a more accurate characterization of grape contamination species.     

Cysteine effects on yeast growth]

The effect of cysteine on yeasts with different requirements for exogenous pantothenic acid was studied during their cultivation in the synthetic nutrient medium. Cysteine added at a concentration of 4X10(-4) M and 6X10(-4) M inhibited the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae of the Krasnodarsk race and Candida utilis BKM y-74 to a great extent and that of Saccharomycodes ludwigii BKM y-1176 to a lesser extent. The inhibitory effect of cystein was reversed by pantothenic acid, beta-alanine, aspartate and aspartic acid. It is assumed that cysteine inhibits metabolic utilization of pantothenic acid.     

Interactions between Brettanomyces bruxellensis and other yeast species during the initial stages of winemaking

AIMS: Wine is the product of complex interactions between yeasts and bacteria in grape must. Amongst yeast populations, two groups can be distinguished. The first, named non-Saccharomyces (NS), colonizes, with many other micro-organisms, the surface of grape berries. In the past, NS yeasts were primarily considered as spoilage micro-organisms. However, recent studies have established a positive contribution of certain NS yeasts to wine quality. Amongst the group of NS yeasts, Brettanomyces bruxellensis, which is not prevalent on wine grapes, plays an important part in the evolution of wine aroma. Some of their secondary metabolites, namely volatile phenols, are responsible for wine spoilage. The other group contributing to wine aroma, which is also the main agent of alcoholic fermentation (AF), is composed of Saccharomyces species. The fermenting must is a complex microbial ecosystem where numerous yeast strains grow and die according to their adaptation to the medium. Yeast-yeast interactions occur during winemaking right from the onset of AF. The aim of this study was to describe the interactions between B. bruxellensis, other NS and Saccharomyces cerevisiae during laboratory and practical scale winemaking. METHODS AND RESULTS: Molecular methods such as internal transcribed spacer-restriction fragment length polymorphism and polymerase chain reaction and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis were used in laboratory scale experiments and cellar observations. The influence of different oenological practices, like the level of sulphiting at harvest time, cold maceration preceding AF, addition of commercial active dry yeasts on B. bruxellensis and other yeast interactions and their evolution during the initial stages of winemaking have been studied. Brettanomyces bruxellensis was the most adapted NS yeast at the beginning of AF, and towards the end of AF it appeared to be more resistant than S. cerevisiae to the conditions of increased alcohol and sugar limitation. CONCLUSIONS: Among all NS yeast species, B. bruxellensis is better adapted than other wild yeasts to resist in must and during AF. Moreover, B. bruxellensis appeared to be more tolerant to ethanol stress than S. cerevisiae and after AF B. bruxellensis was the main yeast species in wine. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Brettanomyces bruxellensis interacts with other yeast species and adapts to the wine medium as the dominant yeast species at the end of AF. Contamination of B. bruxellensis might take place at the beginning of malolactic fermentation, which is a critical stage in winemaking.     

The role of non-Saccharomyces species in releasing glycosidic bound fraction of grape aroma components — a preliminary study

AIMS: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of beta-glycosidase activity in wine yeasts in releasing terpene glycosides from grape juice. METHODS AND RESULTS: Glycosidase activity was screened in 160 yeasts by testing their ability to hydrolyse arbutine on agar plates. Only non-Saccharomyces species exhibited beta-glycosidase activity. Enzyme activity, based on hydrolytic activity on p-nitrophenyl-beta-glycoside, was mainly located in the whole cell fraction, with smaller amounts in permeabilized cells being released into the growth medium. The hydrolysis of glycosides was determined by HRGC-MS, confirming the role of yeast in the liberation of monoterpenols, especially linalool and geraniol. CONCLUSION: The results indicate the potential of microbial beta-glycosidases for releasing flavour compounds from glycosidically-bound, non-volatile precursors, with significant implications for wines made from less aromatic grapes. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study confirms the role of non-Saccharomyces species in enhancing wine aroma and flavour, suggesting that the future lies with controlled use of mixed cultures in winemaking.