A numerical taxonomic study of Pseudomonas strains from spoiled meat

A numerical taxonomic study using 160 unit characters has been performed on 110 isolates of pseudomonads from aerobically spoiled beef and pork and on 13 named strains from the genus Pseudomonas. Four clusters of meat strains were detected at 87% S. Non‐fluorescent strains were contained in two closely related clusters (1 and 2) which were identified with P. fragi. Clusters 3 and 4 contained fluorescent strains which were distinct from P. fluorescens, P. putida and the other named strains examined. An identification scheme based on 11 carbon source tests is presented for the recognition of cluster members.