Harnessing microbiome-plant synergies: microbiome-interactive traits enhance plant growth and support sustainable agriculture

The interaction between plant cultivars and the soil microbiome is essential for agricultural productivity. We hypothesise that cultivars with a strong microbiome interactive trait (MIT) can reach high performance with reduced dependence on chemical inputs. To test this, we conducted a field experiment evaluating seven pre-selected potato cultivars with different MIT scores under biological and conventional agricultural management. Cultivars with higher MIT scores outperformed a commercial cultivar, Désirée. Below-ground biomass was positively associated with MIT scores, underscoring the relevance of this approach for future breeding strategies. Biological management enhanced inter-kingdom microbial interactions, thereby improving plant performance. In contrast, chemical management disrupted these interactions, severing the microbiome from its beneficial effects on plant growth. Piecewise structural equation models further confirmed the importance of integrating cultivar choice with sustainable practices. Overall, this study provides empirical evidence and lays the groundwork for further research to promote robust plant-microbiome interactions in sustainable agriculture.