Phyllosphere Microbiology

About this book

Phyllosphere Microbiology provides comprehensive coverage of all aspects of the microbiology of plant surfaces. The reader will gain timely perspectives on the progress of the study of the unique microorganisms that reside in this habitat as well as an understanding of why these studies are making great contributions to the field of microbial ecology as a whole.

The book focuses on five main areas: the physical and chemical environment of plants; interactions between epiphytes and their hosts; interactions among microbes on plant surfaces; the contribution of plant surface microbes to agricultural practices and food safety; and modeling of interactions and movement of microbes on plant surfaces.

The title also addresses the management of important plant and human health problems, including timely topics such as an extensive coverage of food microbiology and the role of plants as sources of food-borne human pathogens, biological control of plant diseases, and the importance of plant surfaces as the site of gene transfer among organisms. More than 80 illustrations of leaf surfaces, microbes, and processes occurring on leaves provide the reader with excellent visual references while the breadth and perspective of this book relates plant surface microbiology to broader fields of study in ecology and microbiology.

Each chapter provides a comprehensive reference list of relevant literature in the field of microbiology while the index provides thorough information on technical terms and organisms covered. Based on the 7th International Symposium on the Microbiology of Aerial Plant Surfaces, the viewpoints from many experts in the field make this an excellent reference for plant pathologists, plant and microbial ecologists, students, food science and plant pathology researchers, as well as anyone interested in plant pathogens, biological control organisms, and food safety.

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