In order to obtain yeast strains with important characteristics for the wine industry, protoplast fusions were performed. Attention was driven to two important traits: flocculation and of H2S production. Because both are traits occuring at low frequency in wine yeast (1% each), their natural occurence is unlike. Crossing was made through protoplast fusion because strains were sexualy incompatible. Initially, auxotrophic contrasting mutants were obtained, their marks were tested for reversion and finally, their growth rates were determined. Protoplasts were obtained after treatment with Novozym 234 PEG and CaCl2. The rate of fusion was 2,7x10-4, and 54,6% of the resulting colonies were able to grow on minimal media. After several transfers to YEPD media, the flocculant and H2S- productive strains were selected.
Protoplast fusion; hydrogen sulphide; flocculation; yeasts; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; strains
