Effect of Solute Type on Sorbate Resistance in Zygosaccharomyces rouxii

The effect of sorbate on the growth of Zygosaccharomyces rouxii was evaluated at reduced a w using sucrose, glucose and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Sorbate‐adapted and unadapted cells were grown aerobically at pH 5.0 in media adjusted to 0.92 a w by addition of the solutes. Sorbate resistance by unadapted cells increased in the order of glucose < PEG < sucrose. Solute type had little effect on sorbate resistance by sorbate‐adapted cells in media containing glucose and sucrose. The combination of PEG and 400 μg/mL sorbate was less inhibitory to sorbate‐adapted cells than PEG with 0 μg/mL and 800 μ‐g/mL of sorbate.