Abstract: This study aimed to obtain a yeast strain suitable for the alcoholic fermentation of pepino fruit (Solanum muricatum Ait.) from the Hexi Corridor in Gansu. A total of 20 indigenous yeast strains were isolated from spontaneously fermented pepino juice. Out of these, 11 isolates were screened for their good fermentation performance as examined by microscopy, which were named TY8, TY5, TY6, Y3, Y4, Y5, LY3, LY1, Y1, Y2 and TY2, respectively. By comparing fermentation capacity, alcohol tolerance, SO2 tolerance, physicochemical properties and sensory evaluation with active dry wine yeast, TY8 was found to be suitable for the fermentation of pepino fruit wine. The wine fermented by this strain had distinct aroma characteristics and developed a typical flavor, being clear and transparent.

Key words: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, screening, fermentation c haracteristics, SO2 tolerance, alcohol tolerance