The phyllosphere-the aerial parts o

The phyllosphere-the aerial parts of plants-is a vast microbial habitat that is home to diverse microbial communiteis. These communities, dominated by bacteira, play a major role in the function and health of their host plant, and take part in global bio-geochemical cycles. Hydration conditions on plant leaf surfaces vary considerably over the diurnal cycle, typically with wet nights and dry days. An open question is how bacteria survive the dry day-time on leaves and avoid desiccation.