“…This indicates that nutrients released from the plant to its intact surfaces are adequate to support large microbial populations. Molecules leached from plant leaves include a variety of organic and inorganic compounds, such as sugars, organic acids, amino acids, methanol, and various salts (5,8,10,34,38,41). The abundance of such nutrients can vary with plant species, leaf age, and growing conditions (5,10,34,38,41).…”