Plant Surface Microbiology

This volume examines the interactions between plants and microorganisms located on plant surfaces, exploring their possible biotechnological applications. Interactions of microbial communities with plants are illustrated by experimental studies of typical symbiosis. Topics include signaling within a symbiosis, molecular differences between symbiotic and pathogenic microorganisms, and the role of microorganisms in the development of plants.

Microbiology of Aerial Plant Surfaces is composed of papers presented at a meeting held at the University of Leeds in September, 1975. The content covers progress in work on the aerial surfaces of plants during the years 1970-1975. Organized into 31 chapters, the book begins with the aspects of the structure and development of the aerial surfaces of higher plants. It then elucidates some effects of fungicides and other agrochemicals on the microbiology of the aerial surfaces of plants; effects of air pollution on the structure and function of plant-surface microbial ecosystems; and the aerial microclimate around plant surfaces. Some other topics discussed include the taxonomy of bacteria on the aerial parts of plants; fungi on the aerial surfaces of higher plants; and distribution of yeasts and yeast-like organisms on aerial surfaces of developing apples and grapes. Furthermore, the book explains the saprophytes on plant surfaces in maritime areas and antagonism between fungal saprophytes and pathogens on aerial plant surfaces.

''Informative, well-constructed, and readable...The contributors are leaders in their fields and what they have to say is worthwhile.'' --- SGM Quarterly, August 1998

All aerial plant surfaces, including leaves, stems and flowers are inhabited by diverse assemblages of microorganisms, including filamentous fungi, yeasts, bacteria, and bacteriophages. These organisms have profound effects on plant health and thus impact on ecosystem and agricultural functions. This book is based on proceedings from the 8th International Symposium on the mircobiology of aerial plant surfaces, held in Oxford 2005. This is a five yearly conference which brings together international scientists and provides a unique opportunity to discuss developments in this field.

The leaf surface or phyllosphere is a major habitat for microorganisms. Microbes on or within leaves play important roles in plant ecology, and these microbes can be manipulated to enhance plant growth or reduce plant disease. This book presents a number of critical reviews by internationally recognized experts on the microbial ecology of leaves. Topics include methods of assessment of microbial populations on leaf surfaces, leaves as reservoirs of ice nucleation phenomenon, and leaves as microbial habitats in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. The book will be of interest to students and scientists in numerous disciplines, including botany, aerobiology, meteorology, ecology, agriculture, and microbiology.

Twenty-two papers from the August 2000 conference in Berkeley discuss the biology and ecology of microorganisms associated with the aerial surface of plants. Covering the physical and chemical environment of plant surfaces, the interactions between epiphytes and their hosts, interactions between microbes, agricultural practices and food quality, and models of interactions and movement of microbes, the volume represents the work of plant pathologists, horticulturalists, ecologists, microbiologists, and other scientists from North America, Europe, Australia, Iran, and the Philippines. Annotation copyrighted by Book News Inc., Portland, OR.

Microbes are ubiquitous in nature, and plant-microbe interactions are a key strategy for colonizing diverse habitats. The plant microbiome (epiphytic, endophytic and rhizospheric) plays an important role in plant growth and development and soil health. Further, rhizospheric soil is a valuable natural resource, hosting hotspots of microbes, and is vital in the maintenance of global nutrient balance and ecosystem function. The term endophytic microbes refers to those microorganisms that colonize the interior the plants. The phyllosphere is a common niche for synergism between microbes and plants and includes the leaf surface. The diverse group of microbes are key components of soil-plant systems, and where they are engaged in an extensive network of interactions in the rhizosphere/endophytic/phyllospheric they have emerged as an important and promising tool for sustainable agriculture. Plant microbiomes help to directly or indirectly promote plant growth using plant growth promoting attributes, and could potentially be used as biofertilizers/bioinoculants in place of chemical fertilizers. This book allows readers to gain an understanding of microbial diversity associated with plant systems and their role in plant growth, and soil health. Offering an overview of the state of the art in plant microbiomes and their potential biotechnological applications in agriculture and allied sectors, it is a valuable resource for scientists, researchers and students in the field of microbiology, biotechnology, agriculture, molecular biology, environmental biology and related subjects.