New lager yeast strains generated by interspecific hybridization. (1st May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Krogerus, Kristoffer; Magalhães, Frederico; Vidgren, Virve; Gibson, Brian
• Is Part Of: Journal of industrial microbiology & biotechnology. Volume 42:Number 5(2015)
• Page Start: 769
• Page End: 778
• Publication Date: 2015-05-01
• Subjects: Lager yeast -- S. eubayanus -- Brewing -- Hybrid -- Mating -- Heterosis; Industrial microbiology -- Periodicals; 660.62
• DOI: 10.1007/s10295-015-1597-6
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1367-5435

Abstract

Abstract: The interspecific hybrid Saccharomyces pastorianus is the most commonly used yeast in brewery fermentations worldwide. Here, we generated de novo lager yeast hybrids by mating a domesticated and strongly flocculent Saccharomyces cerevisiae ale strain with the Saccharomyces eubayanus type strain. The hybrids were characterized with respect to the parent strains in a wort fermentation performed at temperatures typical for lager brewing (12 °C). The resulting beers were analysed for sugar and aroma compounds, while the yeasts were tested for their flocculation ability and α-glucoside transport capability. These hybrids inherited beneficial properties from both parent strains (cryotolerance, maltotriose utilization and strong flocculation) and showed apparent hybrid vigour, fermenting faster and producing beer with higher alcohol content (5.6 vs 4.5 % ABV) than the parents. Results suggest that interspecific hybridization is suitable for production of novel non-GM lager yeast strains with unique properties and will help in elucidating the evolutionary history of industrial lager yeast.