Application of PCR-DGGE and cloning analysis to study bacterial population in minimally processed vegetables

In the present study, the microbial ecology of minimally processed vegetables (MPV) packaged under ordinary atmosphere (OA) and modified atmosphere (MA) was studied by culture-independent method. The bacterial DNA was extracted directly from MPV samples and amplification of the 16S rRNA genes was carried out using universal primers. Fingerprints of 1500 bp were obtained by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Moreover, clone libraries of PCR fragments were constructed. PCR-DGGE results indicated microbial community structure was similar on both MPV samples packaged under OA and MA and the dominance of plant pathogens. In fact, a total of 8 different 16S rDNA sequences derived from the eubacterial clone library of MPV products, was affiliated to the families Microbacteriaceae, Pseudomonadaceae and Enterobacteriaceae.