Abstract
The restriction analysis of 16S-23S rRNA gene internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS) using TaqI, AluI, HpaII, and AvaII revealed that forty-seven bacterial isolates found in fruits and flowers collected in Thailand belong to the genus Acetobacter. They were identified as follows: Group 1 containing 11 isolates was identified as A. pasteurianus, Group 2 containing nine isolates was identified as A. orientalis, Group 3 containing eight isolates was identified as A. lovaniensis, Group 4 including eight isolates was identified as A. indonesiensis, Group 5 containing three isolates was identified as A. tropicalis, Group 6 containing five isolates was identified as A. ghanensis, and Group 7 containing four isolates was identified as A. orleanensis. The differentiation of Acetobacter species by the 16S-23S rRNA gene ITS restriction analysis was discussed. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and molecular characteristics including 16S rRNA gene sequences supported the above-mentioned identification. All Thai isolates were screened for their alcohol dehydrogenase activity and exhibited an activity of 2.05-7.52 units/mg protein at 30 degrees C. Isolate PHD-23 produced the highest quantity of 1.50% acetic acid (v/v) from 4.0% ethanol (v/v).
