Isolation and characterization of a new fructophilic <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lactobacillus plantarum</Emphasis> FPL strain from honeydew

In the present study, a Lactobacillus plantarum FPL strain exhibiting fructophilic behavior has been isolated for the first time from honeydew. It is a probably syntrophic bacterium inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract of Coccus hesperidum L. and taking part in sugar metabolism. The promising growth characteristics and biochemical properties of Lb. plantarum FPL indicate that this may be a facultatively fructophilic species, whose properties are not associated with the loss of the alcohol/acetaldehyde dehydrogenase gene. The article attempts to classify the peculiar behavior of this strain by means of tests that are characteristic for FLAB as well as through a classic identification approach. In this study, we used a reference strain Lb. plantarum NRRL B-4496, which showed no fructophilic properties. With the FLAB group, the new strain shares the habit, such as a fructose-rich environment, the preference of this sugar for growth, and similar growth curves. However, it exceeds FLAB in terms of osmotolerance to high sugar content. The fructophilic Lb. plantarum FPL strain can proliferate and grow on a medium wherein the sugar concentration is 45 and 50% (w/v). Our findings indicate that honeydew can be a promising source of new fructophilic lactic acid bacteria.