Interaction between Lactobacillus hilgardii and Pediococcus pentosaceus and their metabolism of sugars and organic acids.

In a mixed culture of Lactobacillus hilgardii and Pediococcus pentosaceus on commerical grape juice, growth of the latter was inhibited until 24 h; after 24 h no viable cells were detected. During the early stages of growth, sugars and malic acid were consumed and production of M- and L-lactic acids was greater in the mixed culture than in either of the pure cultures.