Influence of gamma radiation on microbiological parameters of the ethanolic fermentation of sugar-cane must

The influence of gamma radiation on reducing the population of some bacteria Bacillus and Lactobacillus that usually contaminate the sugar-cane must and its effects on acidity of the medium and viability of the yeast during fermentation were evaluated. The treatment with gamma radiation reduced the bacterial load of the sugar-cane must. Consequently, the volatile acidity produced during the fermentation of the must decreased and the viability of the yeast afterwards added increased. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.