Sources of the Lactic Acid Bacteria Occurring in Silage

摘要

SummaryLactobacilli, pediococci and leuconostocs were found to be scarce on living undamaged plant tissue. They were not found by direct plating of intact portions of the inflorescence or seed of any plant examined, but they were detected on foliage damaged by insects, on sheaths at the base of grasses and on withered blades of grass. The numbers of lactic acid bacteria on plant material increased during the harvesting and ensiling operations. Many organisms were recovered from the mechanical equipment and the hand implements used during harvesting of the crop.