The phyllosphere microbiome of plants represents a critical, yet underexplored, component of sustainable crop production systems. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the diverse functional roles of leaf-associated microbial communities in enhancing plant productivity and resilience. We examine how phyllosphere microbes contribute to: (1) disease suppression through competitive exclusion, antimicrobial production, and induced systemic resistance; (2) abiotic stress tolerance via biofilm-mediated water retention, ACC deaminase activity, and UVprotective pigmentation; and (3) growth promotion by phytohormone synthesis and nutrient solubilization. Emerging applications in microbiome assisted breeding and precision microbiome management are discussed as innovative approaches to develop climate-resilient varieties. We highlight successful field implementations of microbial consortia that reduce chemical inputs while maintaining yields, including biofertilizer blends and biocontrol formulations effective against major pathogens like Cercosporasesami and Alternaria sesami. Key challenges in mechanistic understanding, microbial product standardization, and farmer adoption are addressed, along with future directions integrating multi-omics technologies and policy frameworks. The review underscores the phyllosphere microbiome’s potential to transform plant cultivation into a more productive, sustainable, and climate-smart agricultural system through ecological intensification strategies that harness beneficial plant-microbe interactions. This knowledge provides a foundation for advancing microbiome-based solutions in oilseed crop production globally. The phyllosphere microbiome of plants represents a critical, yet underexplored, component of sustainable crop production systems. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the diverse functional roles of leaf-associated microbial communities in enhancing plant productivity and resilience. We examine how phyllosphere microbes contribute to: (1) disease suppression through competitive exclusion, antimicrobial production, and induced systemic resistance; (2) abiotic stress tolerance via biofilm-mediated water retention, ACC deaminase activity, and UV-protective pigmentation; and (3) growth promotion by phytohormone synthesis and nutrient solubilization. Emerging applications in microbiome-assisted breeding and precision microbiome management are discussed as innovative approaches to develop climate-resilient varieties. We highlight successful field implementations of microbial consortia that reduce chemical inputs while maintaining yields, including biofertilizer blends and biocontrol formulations effective against major pathogens like Cercosporasesami and Alternaria sesami. Key challenges in mechanistic understanding, microbial product standardization, and farmer adoption are addressed, along with future directions integrating multi-omics technologies and policy frameworks. The review underscores the phyllosphere microbiome’s potential to transform plant cultivation into a more productive, sustainable, and climate-smart agricultural system through ecological intensification strategies that harness beneficial plant-microbe interactions. This knowledge provides a foundation for advancing microbiome-based solutions in oilseed crop production globally.

Keywords:Sesamum Indicum; Phyllo Sphere; Sustainable Agriculture; Plant Growth Promotion; Biocontrol;Stress Tolerance; Microbial Consortia.