Abstract
The combined effect of pH, water activity (aw), oxygen (O2) and
carbon dioxide (CO2) levels on growth and sporulation of 10 common
food-borne fungi were studied. The use of a multivariate
statistical method (PLS) for the analysis of data showed, that the
fungi could be grouped according to their physiological response
to changes in the four tested factors. CO2, aw and pH were found
to be the most significant factors describing differences and
similarities among the fungi. Maximal inhibitory effect of
elevated levels of CO2 (5-25%) and decreased aw (0.99-0.95) varied
among the 10 species from 6 to 77% and from 52 to 100%
respectively. Sporulation of the fungi was sensitive to all tested
factors. Furthermore, interaction of CO2 and aw displayed a
significant effect on sporulation. It was shown that different
fungal species associated with the same ecosystem responded
similarly to changes in the tested factors. Thus, fungi which are
not phylogene-tically related may be physiologically related or
show a common strategy of life.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Journal of Applied Microbiology |
Volume | 84 |
Pages (from-to) | 451-460 |
ISSN | 1364-5072 |
Publication status | Published - 1998 |