01273nas a2200133   4500008004100000245006500041210006500106300001100171490000700182520083200189100001501021700001601036856008701052       1993                        eng d00aChanges in microbial populations from eastern woodrat caches0 aChanges in microbial populations from eastern woodrat caches  a30 -350 v383 aChange in microbial populations on three plant foods commonly stored over winter by eastern woodrats (Neotoma floridana) was assessed. It was expected that dogwood fruits (Cornus drummondii) would be affected by microbes to a greater degree than ash seed (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) or redbud seed (Cercis canadensis). Results revealed a change in microbial populations over time but dogwood fruit was no more liable to microbial infestation than seeds. One bacterial species was found in high number on all three food types while three species were found on only two of the three foods. Microbial populations from all three test items increased from November to January but March populations were not different from November populations. It is suggested that climatic factors help to control microbial populations on cache foods.1 aPost, D.M.1 aUrban, J.E.  uhttp://129.130.186.12/content/changes-microbial-populations-eastern-woodrat-caches