[Characterization and differentiation of fluorescent pseudemonads by substrate utilization studies]

A rapid procedure is described for detecting and differentiating pseudomonads by their ability to degrade substrates with diverse physico-chemical properties, including volatile and non-volatile water-insoluble compounds, strong organic acids and bases, surfactants, disinfectants, and other toxic substances. The bacteria are embedded in an agar medium containing mineral salts and exposed to about 5 mg amounts of six to eight different substrates placed on the surface of an agar plate. After incubation at 25 degrees C for 24 hrs, growth zones around utilizable substrates may be used to differentiate various Pseudomonas strains and species.