ABSTRACT
The association of microbes with plants has occurred throughout evolution. Plants have successfully harnessed the benefits derived from microbial associations through establishing symbiotic relationships with, for example, mycorrihiza. However, activity of many other microbes can result in disease (preharvest) and spoilage (postharvest). However, it must be noted that not all plant-associated microbes fall into the broad classification of beneficial or detrimental since many simply coexist.
