Microbial Ecology of Aerial Plant Surfaces

The leaves, stems and flowers of plants play host to a multitude of microorganisms, including filamentous fungi, yeasts, bacteria and bacteriophages. These have profound effects on the plant's health and thus impact on ecosystems and agriculture. Plant microbiology has become a prominent part of microbial ecology in addition to its traditional role in plant pathology. This book provides a description of the diverse inhabitants of plant surfaces, their interactions with the plant and each other, and the influence of factors such as ultraviolet radiation, nutrients, endophytes, epiphytes and immigration on the composition of microbial communities. It will be an invaluable resource to students and researchers in microbiology, mycology and bacteriology, plant physiology and crop protection. Book jacket.