From each producer sample, three bottles were randomly selected
formycological analysis. Aliquots of 300 μlwere drawn from the surface
of the syrup from each bottle and transferred onto Petri dishes containing
either yeast extract sucrose agar (YES) or Dichloran Glycerol agar
(DG18) in triplicate. Plates were incubated at
25 °C in the dark and inspected every 2–3 days for threeweeks. Colonies
were enumerated and, as necessary, transferred to appropriate media
for identification. From sample receipt to plating was completed in
less than two weeks. Distinct colonies of representative isolates were
transferred to 2% Malt Extract agar for DNA extraction and on Malt
Extract and Czapek Yeast Extract agars for identification.