# Swift microbiome‐mediated phenotype transfer from transgenic plants

## TL;DR

Genetically modified plants can transfer beneficial traits to nearby wild plants through changes in their root bacteria, offering a new approach to agriculture.

## Contribution

Demonstrates microbiome-mediated trait transfer from transgenic plants to wild-type plants via root exudates and 2,3-butanediol.

## Key findings

- Transgenic Arabidopsis plants alter their root microbiome's composition and function.
- Exposure to transgenic root exudates or 2,3-butanediol induces similar traits in wild-type plants.
- Microbiome interactions could reduce reliance on genetic modification in agriculture.

## Abstract

The expression of an organism's genes determines its own characteristics in any given environment. In this study, we demonstrate that the phenotypic traits of genetically modified transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants, designed for nutrient efficiency and enhanced yield, can be naturally and readily transferred to neighboring wild‐type plants. Our findings reveal that the transgenic plants significantly influence the populational, compositional, and functional traits of their root‐associated microbiome (RAM), resulting in a larger population, with distinct composition and high functional potential compared to wild‐type plants, regardless of soil type. This phenomenon appears to stem from altered metabolite exudation patterns, which enhance root recruitment. Notably, the RAM plays a dual role: it not only contributes to the robust phenotype of the transgenic plants but also facilitates the transfer of these traits to adjacent wild‐type plants. Upon transplanting wild‐type plants into the presence of transgenics, we observed the induction of transgenic‐like phenotypes. Metagenomic and compositional analyses indicate that this transfer is linked to an increase in 2,3‐butanediol (2,3‐BD) fermenting bacteria. Furthermore, exposure to 2,3‐BD alone was sufficient to elicit transgenic phenotypes in wild‐type plants. These results suggest that factors external to plant tissues, such as root‐associated bacteria and their volatile metabolic products, play a crucial role in the transferability of plant phenotypes to neighboring plants. Our findings underscore the importance of evaluating microbiome interactions in the context of transgenic organisms and open new avenues for alternative agricultural practices that may reduce reliance on genetic modification.

Transgenic plants can enhance nutrient efficiency and yield while transferring traits to neighboring wild type.Root metabolite exudation boost microbial abundance and diversity, reshaping the root‐associated microbiome.Root‐associated microbiome mediates phenotype transfer between transgenic and wild‐type plants.Increased 2,3‐butanediol links transgenic‐induced phenotypic changes to microbial interactions.There is potential for microbiome‐based strategies to improve agricultural resilience.

Transgenic plants can enhance nutrient efficiency and yield while transferring traits to neighboring wild type.

Root metabolite exudation boost microbial abundance and diversity, reshaping the root‐associated microbiome.

Root‐associated microbiome mediates phenotype transfer between transgenic and wild‐type plants.

Increased 2,3‐butanediol links transgenic‐induced phenotypic changes to microbial interactions.

There is potential for microbiome‐based strategies to improve agricultural resilience.

This study shows that the traits of genetically modified Arabidopsis thaliana plants, which are designed to be more efficient in using nutrients and produce higher yields, can be passed on to nearby wild plants. The modified plants change the makeup and function of the bacteria in their root environment, leading to a larger and more diverse microbiome compared to the wild plants. This change is linked to different substances released by the roots, which attract more beneficial bacteria. Interestingly, when wild plants are grown near the modified ones, they start to exhibit similar traits. The research found that this trait transfer is associated with an increase in certain bacteria that produce a compound called 2,3‐butanediol (2,3‐BD). Just exposing wild plants to 2,3‐BD can also make them take on traits of the modified plants. The findings suggest that understanding these interactions could lead to new agricultural methods that reduce the need for genetic modifications.