Influence of composition of diluent on populations of yeasts and moulds recovered from raw fruits

AIMS: The aims of this study were (i) to determine the retention of viability of mycoflora removed from raw fruits, and how this affected diluents used to prepare samples for enumeration of propagules, and (ii) to evaluate the performance of recovery media for supporting colony development. METHODS AND RESULTS: Yeasts and moulds removed from seven types of raw fruit were held in seven diluents for 1 h before plating on dichloran rose bengal chloramphenicol (DRBC) agar and plate count agar supplemented with chloramphenicol (100 micro g ml-1) (PCAC). Significant reductions (P=0.05) in populations of yeasts, moulds, and yeasts plus moulds occurred within the 1 h holding period, regardless of diluent composition. Overall, retention of viability was not influenced by diluent composition, and neither DRBC agar nor PCAC were superior in supporting colony development. CONCLUSIONS: The composition of diluents used to prepare food samples for mycological analysis has little affect on the number of yeasts and moulds recovered from seven types of naturally contaminated raw fruit. Both DRBC agar and PCAC are suitable as enumeration media. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Diluents and media most often recommended for enumerating yeasts and moulds in foods are appropriate for raw fruits.