Numerical taxonomy of catalase-negative cocci isolated from frozen vegetables.

Taxonomic data for 135 cultures of bacteria isolated from frozen snap beans and whole kernel corn were analyzed by computer. Of the isolates, 79% were grouped into five major clusters. Two of the groups consisted of leuconostocs, whereas the other three contained homofermentative types. The intergroup similarities suggested a generic level of similarity. Feature frequencies for the groups were calculated, and properties of the different groups are presented. Many of the isolates differed from described species.