Gfeller, ValentinSchneider, MarcBodenhausen, NatachaHorton, Matthew W.Wille, LukasOldach, Klaus H.Studer, BrunoHartmann, MartinMessmer, Monika M.Hohmann, Pierre2025-10-142025-10-142025-12-012524-6372https://hdl.handle.net/2445/223648Background: Plants are constantly challenged by pathogens, which can cause substantial yield losses. The aggressiveness of and damage by pathogens depends on the host-associated microbiome, which might be shaped by plant genetics to improve resistance. How different crop genotypes modulate their microbiota when challenged by a complex of pathogens is largely unknown. Here, we investigate if and how pea (Pisum sativum L.) genotypes shape their root microbiota upon challenge by soil-borne pathogens and how this relates to a genotype's resistance. Building on the phenotyping efforts of 252 pea genotypes grown in naturally infested soil, we characterized root fungi and bacteria by ITS region and 16 S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, respectively. Results: Pea genotype markedly affected both fungal and bacterial community composition, and these genotype-specific microbiota were associated with root rot resistance. For example, genotype resistance was correlated (R2 = 19%) with root fungal community composition. Further, several key microbes, showing a high relative abundance, heritability, connectedness with other microbes, and correlation with plant resistance, were identified. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of crop genotype-specific root microbiota under root rot stress and the potential of the plant to shape its associated microbiota as a second line of defense. Keywords: Pisum sativum; Grain legumes; Microbiota heritability; Pea root rot; Plant-microbe interaction; Resistance breeding.16 p.application/pdfengcc by-nc-nd (c) Valentin Gfeller, et al., 2025http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/es/MicrobiotaLleguminosesMicrobiotaLegumesinfo:eu-repo/semantics/article7608852025-10-14info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess