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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Raleigh, North Carolina » Food Science Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #106536
Title: PECTINOLYTIC AND PECTOLYTIC MICROORGANISMS

Author
item McFeeters, Roger
item HANKIN, L - CONNECTICUT AGR EXPT STA
item LACY, G - VIRGINIA VPI/SU

Submitted to: Compendium of Methods for the Microbiological Examination of Foods
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/1/1999
Publication Date: 5/1/2001
Citation: McFeeters, R.F., Hankin, L., Lacy, G.H. 2001. Pectinolytic and pectolytic microorganisms. In: Compendium of Methods for the Microbiological Examination of Foods. American Public Health Association, Washington, DC, p. 195-199.

Interpretive Summary: The varieties of organisms that can degrade pectic substances are diverse. Thus, choice of the most suitable medium depends on the type of organism expected, as well, as the type of food to be examined. Media and procedures are described for the detection, enumeration, and isolation of pectolytic and pectinolytic microorganisms. In addition, procedures are described for the detection of pectic enzymes. These techniques can be used to characterize degradation of fruits, vegetables, and processed foods, to screen for plant pathogens or soil organisms that degrade pectic substances, and to indicate the stability of raw plant products for storage and transport.

Technical Abstract: The varieties of organisms that can degrade pectic substances are diverse. Thus, choice of the most suitable medium depends on the type of organism expected, as well, as the type of food to be examined. Media and procedures are described for the detection, enumeration, and isolation of pectolytic and pectinolytic microorganisms. In addition, procedures are described for the detection of pectic enzymes. These techniques can be used to characterize degradation of fruits, vegetables, and processed foods, to screen for plant pathogens or soil organisms that degrade pectic substances, and to indicate the stability of raw plant products for storage and transport.