Plants make nice environments for bacteria to live. Bacteria that live
on leaf surfaces (the phyllosphere) or in the root zone (the rhizosphere)
often receive nutrients that are exuded by the plant. Some of these bacteria
can cause infections and harm the plant.
We are hypothesizing that some plants may produce natural compounds
that have antibiofilm activity. We are currently developing a procedure
for identifying these kinds of plants.
Trichomes underneath an oak leaf. Note the bacteria on the surface nearby. Click on the image to link to its home gallery (off-site).
Links
Learn about bacteria
that grow on leaves and the phyllosphere
Click here to find about furanones, an exciting antibiofilm compound
discovered in marine algae!
Molecular Microbial Ecology
Group
UNSW's Micro
Page
Created: 10/31/2000