Technological Characterization and Identification of Potential Yeast Starters from <i>Diospyros</i><i> </i><i>mespiliformis</i> Fruit Pulp

The aim of this study was to add value to Diospyros Mespiliformis fruits from northern Côte d'Ivoire. Yeasts were isolated from Diospyros Mespiliformis pulp and screened to select potential starters. Following screening, the best strains were identified using the Maldi Tof technique to determine the species involved. The results enabled us to select three (3) strains with the best growth rates compared with the other strains tested. These strains belong to the species Candida krusei, Candida guillermondii and Candida fermentati. These strains could thus be used as potential starters in biotechnological applications. Diospyros Mespiliformis would be of interest in the development of yeast culture collections useful for controlled fermentations.