Phyllosphere

Phyllosphere

The term “Phyllosphere” was coined by the Dutch Microbiologist Ruinen. The leaf surface has been termed as Phylloplane and the zone on leaves inhabited by the microorganisms as Phyllosphere (Figure 10.7). In forest vegetation, thick microbial epiphytic associations exist on leaves. 

The dominant and useful microorganisms on the leaf surfaces in the forest, vegetation happened to be Nitrogen fixing bacteria like Beijerinckia and Azotobacter.

Apart from Nitrogen fixing bacteria, other genera such as Pseudomonas, Pseudobacterium, Phytomonas are also encountered on the leaf surface. The age of plant, its leaf spread, morphology and maturity level and the atmospheric factors greatly influence the phyllosphere microflora.