Effects of film-forming Pichia and Candida yeasts on cider and wine as post-fermentation contaminants.

Film-forming yeasts are potential sources of defects in alcoholic beverages. The aim of this study is to assess the growth capacity of Pichia and Candida film-forming yeasts in cider and wine and the effects on their chemical composition. Cider, partially and fully fermented wine were inoculated with strains of C. californica, P. fermentans, P. kluyveri, P. kudriavzevii, P. manshurica, and P. membranifaciens to simulate a post-fermentative contamination. The former three species grew only in cider. Pichia manshurica and P. kudriavzevii displayed high viability in wine up to 13.18% (v v-1) ethanol. Significant changes in odour-active molecules from different chemical groups were observed in cider and wine in the inoculated samples, compared to the non-inoculated ones. Cider is more susceptible to contamination by all of the species tested, due to its low alcohol content, while P. membranifaciens, P. manshurica, and P. kudriavzevii are additionally potential spoilage agents of wine. This study highlights the risk of cider and wine contamination by film-forming yeasts. Their impact on aroma profiles depends on their ability to grow and their metabolism. This study contributes to an understanding of the possible physiological and metabolic mechanisms responsible for film formation and chemical changes in alcoholic beverages.

Characterization of selected species of Pichia and Candida for their growth capacity in apple and grape must and their biofilm parameters.

Pichia and Candida species include biofilm-forming yeasts able to spoil foods and beverages. Strains belonging to 10 Pichia and Candida species isolated from apples, grape musts, and wines were analysed. They were subjected to molecular typing and characterized for their ability to grow and ferment must for cider and wine production, and for their biofilm properties. All strains grew similarly in apple and grape must. Glucose-fermenting strains displayed differentiated fermentation performances. Great variation in SO2 and ethanol sensitivity was observed among the strains. Pichia manshurica strains showed high tolerance to both molecules. Eleven and five surface-spreading biofilm (MAT) phenotypes were identified in solid and liquid media, respectively. Strains produced biofilms with variable thicknesses and widths in culture tubes. Cell adherence and aqueous-hydrocarbon biphasic hydrophobicity assays were carried out. Some Pichia manshurica and P. membranifaciens strains exhibited a high capacity to form a thick biofilm and had high cell adherence and hydrophobicity values. These strains could be more likely to colonize the internal surfaces of tanks. This study evidenced that some Pichia and Candida strains can proliferate during apple and grape must fermentation and may be detrimental the beverage quality, due to their specific biofilm properties.

Epiphytic bacteria from withered grapes and their antagonistic effects on grape-rotting fungi.

The bacterial community in the surface of withered grapes, which are partially dehydrated in the post-harvest period to produce Italian passito wine, has been seldom investigated. Fifty epiphytic bacterial strains isolated from withered berries were identified and characterized. Genera such as Bacillus, Brevibacillus, Curtobacterium, Micrococcus, Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus have been identified by comparative sequence and phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences. Bacillus was predominant and several taxa within this genus have been recognized. All isolates were characterized by PCR fingerprinting and assayed for osmotic tolerance, motility and antifungal activity. Several Bacillus strains displayed antagonistic effects on grape-rotting fungi such as Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium expansum and Aspergillus uvarum. The other strains were weakly or non-antagonistic on these fungi. Assay on antagonistic interactions among bacteria was also carried out. Bacillus strains, which exhibit swimming and swarming motility, have the potential to colonize the grape surface and to compete with their neighbours for space and resources. The occurrence of these isolates could reduce the contamination of fungal pathogens during grape withering. Epiphytic antagonistic bacteria could potentially be of interest for fungal biocontrol in the post-harvest processing of fruit and vegetables.

Correlating Noble Rot Infection of Garganega Withered Grapes with Key Molecules and Odorants of Botrytized Passito Wine.

Experimental passito wines with different percentages of naturally noble-rotten grapes of the Garganega variety were analyzed to evaluate key molecules and odorants related to the typical aroma and sensory profile of botrytized passito wine. Remarkable changes in the concentration of 1-octen-3-ol, 4-terpineol, benzaldehyde, N-(3-methylbutyl)acetamide, and sherry lactone 1 and 2 were observed between sound and noble-rotten wines. Wines were perceived to be different for floral, honey, figs, apricot, and caramel scents. By partial least square regression these descriptors were well correlated to samples. An important positive contribution of sherry lactones, N-(3-methylbutyl)acetamide, vanillin, benzaldehyde, and γ-butyrolactone to honey, apricot, and caramel was observed. It is conceivable that oxidative effects of Botrytis cinerea infection play an important role in the genesis of these chemical and sensory aroma markers. This study provides a predictive tool for winemakers that use natural grape withering to produce wines whose aroma profile is not standardized due to the seasonal variation of noble rot incidence.

Sporobolomyces agrorum sp. nov. and Sporobolomyces sucorum sp. nov., two novel basidiomycetous yeast species isolated from grape and apple must in Italy.

During a survey of yeast populations associated with grape and apple musts used for wine and cider fermentation, respectively, six pink-coloured ballistoconidia-forming yeasts belonging to the order Sporidiobolales (Basidiomycota) were isolated. Phylogenetic analysis inferred using sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA gene, the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene and DNA-directed RNA polymerase II subunit (RPB2) indicated that the six isolates were separated in two novel species. One of the new species, Sporobolomyces agrorum sp. nov., isolated from grape must, had Sporobolomyces roseus and Sporobolomyces metaroseus as its closest relatives, but showed four/two and 16 nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 and ITS regions, respectively, to these two species. The other novel species, Sporobolomyces sucorum sp. nov., was found in apple must and was closely related to Sporobolomyces pararoseus and Sporobolomyces patagonicus, but showed two/three and five substitutions in those two regions for its closest relatives. We detected additional representatives of this species, most of them isolated from grapes whose sequences were already available on public databases. A sexual stage could not be observed for the novel species.

Fungal Systematics and Evolution: FUSE 5.

Thirteen new species are formally described: Cortinarius brunneocarpus from Pakistan, C. lilacinoarmillatus from India, Curvularia khuzestanica on Atriplex lentiformis from Iran, Gloeocantharellus neoechinosporus from China, Laboulbenia bernaliana on species of Apenes, Apristus, and Philophuga (Coleoptera, Carabidae) from Nicaragua and Panama, L. oioveliicola on Oiovelia machadoi (Hemiptera, Veliidae) from Brazil, L. termiticola on Macrotermes subhyalinus (Blattodea, Termitidae) from the DR Congo, Pluteus cutefractus from Slovenia, Rhizoglomus variabile from Peru, Russula phloginea from China, Stagonosporopsis flacciduvarum on Vitis vinifera from Italy, Strobilomyces huangshanensis from China, Uromyces klotzschianus on Rumex dentatus subsp. klotzschianus from Pakistan. The following new records are reported: Alternaria calendulae on Calendula officinalis from India; A. tenuissima on apple and quince fruits from Iran; Candelariella oleaginescens from Turkey; Didymella americana and D. calidophila on Vitis vinifera from Italy; Lasiodiplodia theobromae causing tip blight of Dianella tasmanica 'variegata' from India; Marasmiellus subpruinosus from Madeira, Portugal, new for Macaronesia and Africa; Mycena albidolilacea, M. tenuispinosa, and M. xantholeuca from Russia; Neonectria neomacrospora on Madhuca longifolia from India; Nothophoma quercina on Vitis vinifera from Italy; Plagiosphaera immersa on Urtica dioica from Austria; Rinodina sicula from Turkey; Sphaerosporium lignatile from Wisconsin, USA; and Verrucaria murina from Turkey. Multi-locus analysis of ITS, LSU, rpb1, tef1 sequences revealed that P. immersa, commonly classified within Gnomoniaceae (Diaporthales) or as Sordariomycetes incertae sedis, belongs to Magnaporthaceae (Magnaporthales). Analysis of a six-locus Ascomycota-wide dataset including SSU and LSU sequences of S. lignatile revealed that this species, currently in Ascomycota incertae sedis, belongs to Pyronemataceae (Pezizomycetes, Pezizales).

Yeast-like fungi and yeasts in withered grape carposphere: Characterization of Aureobasidium pullulans population and species diversity.

Yeast-like fungi and yeasts residing on carposphere of withered grapes for Italian passito wine production have been scarcely investigated. In the present study, isolates from single berries, both sound and damaged, of Nosiola, Corvina and Garganega varieties were analyzed at the end of the withering process. Great variation of cell concentration among single berries was observed. In sound berries, yeast-like fungi were significantly more frequent than yeasts. Species identification of isolates was carried out by BLAST comparative analysis on gene databases and phylogenetic approach. All yeast-like fungi isolates belonged to Aureobasidium pullulans. They displayed different culture and physiological characteristics and inhibitory capacity against phytopathogenic fungi. Moreover, PCR profile analysis revealed high genotypic similarity among these strains. A total of 35 species were recognized among yeast isolates. Ascomycetes prevailed over basidiomycetes. To the best of our knowledge, Naganishia onofrii and Rhodosporidiobolus odoratus were identified for the first time among yeasts isolated from grapes, must or wine. Hanseniaspora uvarum and Starmerella bacillaris were the most frequent species. Most species were found only in one grape variety (nine in Nosiola, 10 in Corvina and five in Garganega). The sanitary state of withered grapes could have an important impact on the structure of these epiphytic populations.

Changes in chemical and sensory properties of Amarone wine produced by Penicillium infected grapes.

There is very little information on effects of Penicillium on aroma of passito wine. This study analyzed chemical composition and sensory properties of Amarone wines produced from withered grapes artificially contaminated by P. expansum or P. crustosum. Changes in properties of the two wines were evident by comparing wines obtained from healthy and Botrytis cinerea infected grapes used as controls. Penicillium infection affected primary and volatile composition of Amarone wine. Sensory profiles of these wines, obtained by descriptive analysis, resulted in clear differences in the wines between themselves and the control wines. Partial least square regression analysis explained only partially the relationship between molecules and sensory descriptors, and showed the existence of complex interactions of compounds mainly involved in specific aroma attributes. GC-olfactive analysis showed a greater number of odour regions in P. crustosum wine compared to control wines. Useful insight was provided into understanding how Penicillium rotten grapes affect Amarone wine properties.

Yeast species diversity in apple juice for cider production evidenced by culture-based method.

Identification of yeasts isolated from apple juices of two cider houses (one located in a plain area and one in an alpine area) was carried out by culture-based method. Wallerstein Laboratory Nutrient Agar was used as medium for isolation and preliminary yeasts identification. A total of 20 species of yeasts belonging to ten different genera were identified using both BLAST algorithm for pairwise sequence comparison and phylogenetic approaches. A wide variety of non-Saccharomyces species was found. Interestingly, Candida railenensis, Candida cylindracea, Hanseniaspora meyeri, Hanseniaspora pseudoguilliermondii, and Metschnikowia sinensis were recovered for the first time in the yeast community of an apple environment. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a better resolution in identifying Metschnikowia and Moesziomyces isolates than comparative analysis using the GenBank or YeastIP gene databases. This study provides important data on yeast microbiota of apple juice and evidenced differences between two geographical cider production areas in terms of species composition.

Botrytis euroamericana, a new species from peony and grape in North America and Europe.

A novel species of Botrytis isolated from peony in Alaska, USA, and grape in Trento District, Italy, was identified based on morphology, pathogenicity, and sequence data. The grape and peony isolates share sequence homology in the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH), heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), DNA-dependent RNA polymerase subunit II (RPB2), and necrosis- and ethylene-inducing protein 1 and 2 (NEP1 and NEP2) genes that place them in a distinct group closely related to B. aclada, a globally distributed pathogen of onions. Genetic results were corroborated with morphological and pathogenicity trials that included two isolates of B. cinerea and two isolates of B. paeoniae from peony in Alaska and one isolate of B. aclada. The authors observed differences in colony and conidia morphology and ability to cause lesions on different host tissues that suggest that the grape and peony isolates represent a distinct species. Most notably, the grape and peony isolates did not colonize onion bulbs, whereas B. aclada readily produced lesions and prolific sporulation on onion tissue. The new species Botrytis euroamericana is described herein.

Post-harvest proteomics of grapes infected by Penicillium during withering to produce Amarone wine.

The study of withered grape infection by Penicillium, a potentially toxigenic fungus, is relevant to preserve grape quality during the post-harvest dehydration process. This report describes the first proteomic analysis of Amarone wine grapes, infected by two strains of Penicillium expansum (Pe1) and Penicillium crustosum (Pc4). Protein identification by MS analysis allowed a better understanding of physiological mechanisms underlying the pathogen attack. The Pe1 strain had a major impact on Vitis vinifera protein expression inducing pathogenesis-related proteins and other protein species involved in energy metabolism. A greater expression of new Penicillium proteins involved in energy metabolism and some protein species related to redox homeostasis has been observed on grapes infected by Pc4 strain. Moreover, the new induced proteins in infected grapes could represent potential markers in withered grapes, thus creating the chance to develop case-sensitive prevention strategies to inhibit fungal growth.

Description of a taxonomically undefined Sclerotiniaceae strain from withered rotten-grapes.

A necrotrophic member of the Sclerotiniaceae family (herewith named strain C10) isolated from withered rotten-grapes, is described. Interestingly, the fungus has no defined taxonomic position since it has been impossible to attribute it to an existing genus. Phylogenetic analysis of partial sequences of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH), heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) and DNA-directed RNA polymerase II subunit (RPB2), revealed that strain C10 is distantly related to Amphobotrys and Botrytis. This evidence clearly distinguishes this new Sclerotiniaceae member from other taxa of the family. Moreover, its morphological characteristics did not match those of Amphobotrys and Botrytis. Infectivity assays demonstrated that strain C10 could be a potential postharvest pathogen of withered grapes. This study revealed the taxonomic importance of this strain suggesting the existence of a possible new genus, a theory that requires further investigation.

Occurrence and infection of Cladosporium, Fusarium, Epicoccum and Aureobasidium in withered rotten grapes during post-harvest dehydration.

Fungi like Cladosporium, Fusarium, Epicoccum and Aureobasidium can occur on withered grapes causing spoilage of passito wine. There is little or no information on the pathogenic role of these fungi. This study describes the isolation, incidence and identification of several isolates from different withered rotten grapes. Representative isolates grouped in several phenotypes were identified by phylogenetic analysis of internal transcribed spacer, actin or elongation factor gene sequences. Isolates of Cladosporium and Fusarium were ascribed to different species, of these C. ramotenellum, C. halotolerans and F. graminearum were isolated from Vitis vinifera for the first time. All Epicoccum and Aureobasidium isolates belonged to E. nigrum and A. pullulans, respectively. Random amplified DNA polymorphism analysis showed high level of heterogenicity among Epicoccum and Fusarium isolates. Infection assays were carried out to evaluate infectivity in some strains under different withering conditions. Fusarium spp. strains had similar infectivity, while significant variability was observed among Cladosporium spp. and E. nigrum strains. A. pullulans resulted particularly infective. This study provided insights into the occurrence and infection of these fungi in fruit-drying rooms with important implications towards control management during the withering.

Identification of potential protein markers of noble rot infected grapes.

The evaluation of Botrytis cinerea as noble rot on withered grapes is of great importance to predict the wine sensory/organoleptic properties and to manage the winemaking process of Amarone, a passito dry red wine. This report describes the first proteomic analysis of grapes infected by noble rot under withering conditions to identify possible markers of fungal infection. 2-D gel electrophoresis revealed that protein profiles of infected and not infected grape samples are significantly different in terms of number of spots and relative abundance. Protein identification by MS analysis allowed to identify only in infected berries proteins of B. cinerea that represent potential markers of the presence of the fungus in the withered grapes.

Contribution to the aroma of white wines by controlled Torulaspora delbrueckii cultures in association with Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Although the positive role of non-Saccharomyces yeasts on the overall quality of wine is encouraging research into their oenological potential, current knowledge on the topic is still far from satisfactory. This work analyzes the contribution of starter cultures of Torulaspora delbrueckii, inoculated sequentially with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (multi-starter fermentation), on the fermentation and aromas of two different white style wines, i.e., dry and sweet wines. Chemical analysis of Soave and Chardonnay wines (dry wines) showed that multi-starter fermentation greatly affected the content of several important volatile compounds, including 2-phenylethanol, isoamyl acetate, fatty acid esters, C4-C10 fatty acids and vinylphenols. Moreover, strain-specific contributions have been shown by testing two different T. delbrueckii strains. Evidence of the positive impact of T. delbrueckii activity on wine quality was also demonstrated in Vino Santo, a sweet wine. Due to its low production of acetic acid, this non-Saccharomyces yeast is recommended for the fermentation of high sugar grapes. T. delbrueckii also influenced the content of different variety of chemical groups, including lactones. From a sensory perspective, all wines produced by multi-starter fermentation have greater aromatic intensity and complexity than wines resulting from a monoculture fermentation. These results emphasize the potential of employing T. delbrueckii, in association with S. cerevisiae, for the production of white wines of different styles with improved and enhanced flavour.

Red wine proteins: two dimensional (2-D) electrophoresis and mass spectrometry analysis.

The aim of the present study was to optimize protein extraction from red wine (cv. Cabernet) in order to obtain a separation by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) compatible with mass spectrometry identification. Proteins were denatured by sodium dodecyl-sulphate (SDS) and precipitated as potassium salts. The potassium-DS (KDS) protein complexes obtained were treated with different solutions in order to remove the detergent. Proteins were solubilized with different buffers and separated by different electrophoretic approaches [native, urea, acid urea PAGEs and isoelectric focusing (IEF)] as the first-dimension (1-DE). The best 2D separation was achieved by using 10% saccharose in the DS removal step, and 6-cyclohexylhexyl ß-d-maltoside detergent in the solubilisation buffer combined with the IEF approach. Several well focalized protein spots were obtained and analyzed through mass-spectrometry.

Characterization and pathogenicity of Alternaria spp. strains associated with grape bunch rot during post-harvest withering.

Alternaria is a fungal agent of grape bunch rot which occurs during withering, a process which produces passito style wines. Seven isolates of Alternaria spp. were characterized using morphological examination, genotypic analysis and pathogenicity. Six of these isolates produced conidiophores and conidia displaying sporulation patterns typical of the Alternaria alternata species-group. Variability in colony morphology and growth on different media was observed. Phylogenetic analysis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences clustered all isolates within a monophyletic clade, while intergenic spacer region (IGS)-RFLP profiles were congruent with those of A. alternata and Alternaria arborescens. RAPD-PCR proved helpful in discriminating between strains. To assay strain pathogenicity, grape berries were infected while undergoing withering conditions at different temperatures. Disease capacity was found to be strain dependent and varied consistently between the most and least aggressive strains. This study has provided interesting information on polymorphism within Alternaria spp. populations in withered grapes and on understanding the saprophytic role of this fungus during the post-harvest dehydrating process.

Selection of Botrytis cinerea and Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains for the improvement and valorization of Italian passito style wines.

In order to improve the quality of Italian passito wine, produced from withered grapes that can be naturally infected by noble rot, in this study, a novel protocol was developed to select suitable cultures of both Botrytis cinerea to infect grapes (as noble rot) and of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to ferment grapes. A total of 16 B. cinerea isolated from withered grapes were typified by RAPD-PCR, and three representative strains were selected for physiological characterization. The strains showed different mycelial growth and enzymatic activities (i.e. polygalacturonase, protease, and laccase). A total of 15 yeasts were isolated from spontaneous fermented wines, these were identified as S. cerevisiae, and typified at strain level. Seven strains were selected according to RAPD-PCR profiles and tested for their fermentation performances. The effects of B. cinerea and S. cerevisiae cultures on the aroma profile of sweet style wine were preliminary evaluated fermenting artificially botrytized grapes induced with B. cinerea infection. The combination of selected fungi affected the aroma profile of wine according to the variation of the content of important molecules (i.e. alcohols, esters, and lactones). This study has provided valuable information to develop new natural cultures destined to induce grape botrytization and manage fermentation in passito winemaking.

Zygosaccharomyces gambellarensis sp. nov., an ascosporogenous yeast isolated from an Italian 'passito' style wine.

Yeast strains were isolated from Vin Santo of Gambellara, a sweet white wine with the specificity of Controlled Designation of Origin produced from off-vine overripened grapes in the Veneto region (Italy). Comparative sequence analysis of the 26S rRNA gene revealed that three representative strains (ZO03-5(T), CA06-8 and ME06-9) constitute a taxon related to, but distinct from, Zygosaccharomyces machadoi. Similarity between the 26S rRNA gene domain D1/D2 sequence of the three isolates and Z. machadoi was 97.9%; moreover, the morphological characteristics and the physiological behaviour also supported recognition of a novel taxon of osmophilic non-psychrophilic yeast showing a flower-like arrangement of budding cells that remain attached to each other. The name Zygosaccharomyces gambellarensis is proposed for the novel species, with ZO03-5(T) (=CBS 12191(T)=MUCL 53393(T)) as the type strain.