The present invention relates to the identification and use of natural plant compounds for inducing, enhancing and maintaining beneficial rhizobacteria biofilm formation on a plant or plant part thereof, and conversely, inhibiting formation of biofilms and pellicle by plant pathogens. Methods of use for stimulating matrix production from the beneficial rhizobacteria and enhanced adhesion of the rhizobacteria to a plant or plant part thereof are also described. Methods of use for inhibition plant pathogen adhesion to biofilms are also described.