Evaluation of Methods for Detecting the Production of H 2 S, Volatile Sulfides, and Greening by Lactobacilli

The ability to produce volatile sulfides by 41 lactobacilli was not associated with species but depended on the composition of the media and the sensitivity of the indicator. Only a restricted number of L. plantarum strains and seven isolates were H 2 S‐positive on peptone iron, TSI and SIM agars. Lead acetate agar detected a greater number of H 2 S‐positive lactobacilli but the lead acetate (or DTNB) paper method was superior in a modified motility sulfide broth. Cured meat agar detected the production of greening by H 2 CO 2 ‐producing lactobacilli ( L. fructovorans, L. jensenii, L. lactis, L. viridescens , F‐74, F‐99). Such tests, however, were not applicable to detect lactobacilli producing green sulfmyoglobin.