We evaluated the genetic stabilization of artificial intra-(Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and interspecific (S. cerevisiae × S. kudriavzevii) hybrids under wine fermentative conditions. Large-scale transitions in genome size and genome reorganizations were observed during this process. Interspecific hybrids seem to need fewer generations to reach genetic stability than intraspecific hybrids. The largest number of molecular patterns recovered among the derived clones was observed for intraspecific hybrids, particularly for those obtained by rare-mating. Molecular marker analyses revealed that unstable clones could change during the industrial process to obtain active dry yeast. When no changes in molecular markers and ploidy were observed after this process, no changes in genetic composition were confirmed by comparative genome hybridization, considering the clone as a stable hybrid. According to our results, under these conditions, fermentation steps 3 and 5 (30–50 generations) would suffice to obtain genetically stable interspecific and intraspecific hybrids, respectively. [Int Microbiol 2014; 17(4):213-224]Keywords: Saccharomyces cerevisiae · Saccharomyces kudriavzevii · rare-mating in yeast · molecular markers · DNA content evaluation · stabilization of genome
