The role of plant host genetics in shaping the composition and functionality of rhizosphere microbiomes

The plant microbiome comprises a wide range of microorganisms associated with different plant tissues. Over the past decades, significant research efforts have focused on understanding and harnessing the plant rhizosphere microbiome for optimal plant growth and health. However, while environmental factors are often the primary focus of these studies, the influence of plant genotype remains comparatively underexplored. In fact, the plant genotype influences a multitude of factors including root morphology and exudate composition, which play an integral role in shaping the rhizosphere niche. In this review, we discuss how alterations in plant host genetics could lead to differences in the assembly and diversity of the rhizosphere microbiome. Furthermore, we summarize current approaches to decipher complex plant traits and their ecological implications in host-microbiome systems and interactions.