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Appl Environ Microbiol. 1971 August; 22(2): 205-209
Copyright © 1971 American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Improved Solid Medium for the Detection and Enumeration of Pectolytic Bacteria

Departments of Biochemistry and Plant Pathology and Botany, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut 06504

ABSTRACT

An improved solid agar medium (MP medium) has been developed which allows detection of pectolytic activity in bacteria. Organisms tested exhibited a variety of regulatory controls governing pectate lyase synthesis. The medium contains mineral salts, pectin, and yeast extract. After growth of the organisms, the agar plate is flooded with a polysaccharide precipitant, and pectolytic activity is shown by clear zones around active colonies. High concentrations of phosphate are shown to be necessary for pectic enzyme formation on solid media. The medium has successfully been used to detect pectolytic organisms in soil, forest litter, and rotting vegetable samples.