Seed tuber microbiome is a predictor of next-season potato vigor

Potato vigor, an important agronomic trait, is heavily influenced by the field of seed tuber production. Soil microbiota vary significantly between fields, impacting plant health and crop yield. Our study demonstrates that seed potato vigor can be predicted based on microbiota associated with seed tuber eyes, the dormant buds that grow out in the next season. By combining time-resolved drone-imaging of potato crop development with microbiome sequencing of seed tuber eyes from 6 varieties produced in 240 fields, we established correlations between microbiome fingerprints and potato vigor parameters. Employing Random Forest algorithms, we developed a predictive "Potato-Microbiome Informed" model, revealing variety-specific relationships between seed tuber microbiome composition and next seasons potato vigor in trial fields. The model accurately predicted vigor of seed tubers to which the model was naive and pinpointed key microbial indicators of potato vigor. By connecting variety-specific microbiome fingerprints to crop performance in the field, we pave the way for microbiome-informed breeding strategies.