Genetic and technological characterization of lactic acid bacteria isolated from tropically grown fruits and vegetables

Phyllosphere microorganisms are common contaminants of fruit or vegetable containing foods. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize lactic acid bacteria isolated from fruits and vegetables from Reunion Island, regarding possible application in food. Among 77 isolates, a large diversity of species was observed, with isolates belonging to Lactobacillus plantarum (3 isolates), other species of Lactobacillus (3), Lactococcus lactis (13), Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides (25), Leuconostoc lactis (1), Leuconostoc mesenteroides (7), Leuconostoc citreum (14), Weissella cibaria (4), Weissella confusa (4), other species of Weissella (2) and Fructobacillus tropaeoli (1). Several of these species, although belonging to lactic acid bacteria, are poorly characterized, because of their low occurrence in dairy products. Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Leuconostoc and Weissella isolates were classified by (GTG)₅ fingerprinting in 3, 6, 21 and 10 genetic groups, respectively, suggesting a large intra-species diversity. Several Weissella and Lactobacillus isolates were particularly tolerant to acid and osmotic stress, whereas Lc. pseudomesenteroides 60 was highly tolerant to oxidative stress. Isolates of Weissella 30, 64 and 58, Leuconostoc 60 and 12b, Lactobacillus 75 and Fructobacillus 77 present relevant characteristics for their use as starters or as preservative cultures for fruits and vegetables.