Genetic diversity in Oenococcus oeni revealed through multi-strain genome sequencing. Oenococcus oeni

Oenococcus oeni, a member of the lactic acid bacteria, is one of a limited number of bacterial species that can not only survive, but also actively grow in wine. It is also unusual in that it is thought of as being beneficial to the winemaking process, primarily through catalysing malolactic fermentation, but also through imparting other positive effects on wine quality. Whole-genome sequencing of an additional 142 Australian wine isolates was conducted to help characterise intra-specific genetic variations and establish the foundation for further genetic, and thus phenotypic, research for this industrially-important species.