Phyllospheric microbiomes for agricultural sustainability

Plants phyllosphere, or aerial surface, is the largest and peculiar microbial habitat throughout the world, supporting rich and varied species of bacteria, fungi, viruses, cyanobacteria, actinobacteria, nematodes, and protozoans. The physiology of the host and its functioning of the ecosystem are influenced by these diversified microbial communities, which are linked to the host's unique functional characteristics. The last few years have seen remarkable progress in elucidating a number of phyllosphere microbiology-related issues, including as diversity and the composition, dynamics, and functional relationships of microbial communities. This highlights the influence of both ecological and evolutionary considerations, resulting in the classification of microbial species and the identification of keystone species or microbial hubs, which are facilitated by networking and communication between kingdoms. Characteristics that support growth and survival in the hostile environment of the phyllosphere are production of hormones, pigments, volatiles, extracellular polysaccharides (EPS), cross-kingdom signaling, and quorum sensing. Recent scientific and technological developments have made it easier to use phyllosphere microbiota; in particular, developments in genomic and metagenomics methodologies provide new opportunities to comprehend the role of phyllosphere microbiota on plant growth promotion.