Abstract: A method for producing a novel antifungal product from a Pediococcus species is described. The preferred product (AFP) comprises a compound which contains valine and lactic acid and has a molecular weight of less than about 500 daltons. The product (AFP) is particularly useful in retarding fungal growth in foods and other materials in need thereof.

Abstract: A novel dextran having a slushy, applesauce-like appearance with a particulate gel-like structure in crude form is described. The dextran is particularly produced by Leuconostoc dextranicum NRRL-B-18242. The dextran in particulate or dried form is used in foods and other applications where texture is important.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting Listeria monocytogenes in a food or other material which can be contaminated with this pathogen using a bacteriocin produced by DNA in Pediococcus acidilactici is described. The bacteriocin is particularly produced by Pediococcus acidilactici containing a 6.2 Mdal (9.4 Kilobase pairs) plasmid encoding for the bacteriocin.

Abstract: A method for imparting phage resistance to phage sensitive strands of Streptococcus group N is described. The method involves transferring plasmid encoding for production of a mucoid substance (Muc.sup.+) into the phage sensitive strain. Even if the Muc.sup.+ plasmid is removed by curing at elevated temperatures the strains remain resistant to phage. The resulting resistant strains are novel and are used for fermentations, particularly milk fermentations.

Abstract: An improved method for inhibiting psychrotrophic bacteria in raw milk is described. The method uses a non-lactose fermenting strain of a lactobacillus to generate hydrogen peroxide which inhibits the psychrotrophic bacteria. A preferred strain is Lactobacillus casei subspecies alactosus NRRL-B-12344 which is a superior producer of hydrogen peroxide at 5.degree. to 8.degree. C.

Abstract: A mixture of Pseudomonas putida one having plasmids encoding the camphor (CAM) and toluene (TOL) degradation and the other having a plasmid encoding for naphthalene (NAH) degradation is described. The mixture is more effective than either Pseudomonas putida alone or than a single Pseudomonas putida with three related plasmids which encode for the degradation of CAM, TOL and NAH.

Abstract: A method for producing a novel antifungal product from a Pediococcus species is described. The preferred product (AFP) comprises a compound which contains valine and lactic acid and has a molecular weight of less than about 500 daltons. The product (AFP) is particularly useful in retarding fungal growth in foods and other materials in need thereof.

Abstract: A method for protecting food systems from gram-positive bacterial spoilage by incorporating a bacteriocin is described. Foods incorporating the bacteriocin are described, particularly salads and salad dressings.

Abstract: A bacterial composition including in admixture a lactic acid producing bacterium which produces diacetyl, particularly Streptococcus lactis subspecies diacetylactis and a Pediococcus which generates an antimicrobial metabolite at refrigeration temperatures which is used to inhibit psychrotrophic bacteria in a milk or cream based product without fermentation or significant increase in cell count is described. The composition preferably uses a Pediococcus pentosaceus which generates hydrogen peroxide as the metabolite.

Abstract: Novel dried compositions containing polysaccharides (dextrans and levans) derived using a Leuconostoc to ferment sucrose to produce the polysaccharides are described. In particular, dried compositions incorporating milk solids or other drying aids to facilitate drying and rehydration of the polysaccharides are described. The compositions are useful as quality (e.g. texture, stability or thickness) improvers for foods.

Abstract: A method for producing a novel antifungal product from a Pediococcus species is described. The preferred product (AFP) comprises a compound which contains valine and lactic acid and has a molecular weight of less than about 500 daltons. The product (AFP) is particularly useful in retarding fungal growth in foods and other materials in need thereof.

Abstract: A method for imparting phage resistance to phage sensitive strains of Streptococcus group N is described. The method involves transferring plasmid encoding for production of a mucoid substance (Muc.sup.+) into the phage sensitive strain. Even if the Muc.sup.+ plasmid is removed by curing at elevated temperatures the strains remain resistant to phage. The resulting resistant strains are novel and are used for fermentations, particularly milk fermentations.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting food-borne pathogen and spoilage microorganisms in processed foods using a Lactobacillus sp. which produces an antimicrobial substance at refrigeration temperatures is described. The method is particularly effective in inhibiting gas producing heterofermentative spoilage microorganisms, mold, food-borne pathogenic microorganisms, (Listeria and Salmonella) and phychrotrophic microorganisms which can occur in processed foods.

Abstract: A method for degrading linalool using Pseudomonas strains is described. Also described are novel Pseudomons putida strains which degrade linalool and in some instances geraniol and citronellol. A method for producing 6-methyl-5-heptene-2-one using certain novel strains is also described.

Abstract: Novel dried compositions containing polysaccharides (dextrans and levans) derived using a Leuconostoc to ferment sucrose to produce the polysaccharides are described. In particular, dried compositions incorporating milk solids or other drying aids to facilitate drying and rehydration of the polysaccharides are described. The compositions are useful as quality (e.g. texture, stability or thickness) improvers for foods.

Abstract: A process for degrading volatile halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms using Pseudomonas fluorescens NRRL-B-18296 is described. The method preferably uses a carbon source, such as glucose or molasses, which stimulates the bacterium to degrade the hydrocarbons and which is readily degraded in the environment so that the halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbon is degraded to carbon dioxide, water and hydrochloric acid so that no toxic residues are produced.

Abstract: A method for rapidly developing a red color in fermented meat using Streptococcus lactis subspecies diacetylactis is described. The method allows the red color to rapidly develop at a pH above about 5.3 for at least 10 hours and then optionally a faster lactic acid producing bacteria lowers the pH to below about 4.9. The result is a fermented meat with an appealing red color which rapidly develops during processing.

Abstract: A segment of a bacteriophage encoding for a polysaccharide depolymerase which has been cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli is described. In particular, bacteriophage ERA103 was found to consist of five EcoRI fragments labeled: A, 7.5-kb; B, 5.0-kb; C, 2.7-kb; D, 2.1-kb and E, 1.8-kb. Fragment B encodes for the depolymerase and was cloned into the positive-selection vector pOP203(A.sub.2.sup.+), pBR322 and the expression vector pKK223-3. The depolymerase is applied to rosaceous plants to prevent Fireblight caused by Erwinia amylovora by depolymerizing a polysaccharide produced by this bacteria.

Abstract: A method for degrading linalool using Pseudomonas strains is described. Also described are novel Pseudomonas putida strains which degrade linalool and in some instances geraniol and citronellol. A method for producing 6-methyl-5-heptene-2-one using certain novel strains is also described.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting psychrotrophic bacteria in milk products such as Cottage cheese, particularly cream dressed Cottage cheese, using a Pediococcus is disclosed. The inhibition is produced by antimicrobial metabolites generated in the food without fermentation by live Pediococcus.