Molecular characterization of endophytic fungal communities associated with Vitis vinifera L. at Taif region of Saudi Arabia

Aim: The current study aimed to characterize the composition of endophytic fungal communities related to Taify grapevine leaves. Methodology: Taify grapevine leaves were collected from three different locations at Taif region. Total DNA was extracted and the endophytic fungal communities were investigated using next generation sequencing in a metagenomics approach. Results: The obtained data detected 26 fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in all locations with variation in most taxa among three locations. The phylum Ascomycota dominated relative sequence abundance (90.83%), followed by Basidiomycota at 1.82%. Other unidentified fungi at phylum level dominated 7.35% abundance level. At genus level, Alternaria and Cladosporium genera were present at all locations, while Filobasidium and Didymella were detected in two locations. Most genera, Penicillium, Hanseniaspora, Fusarium, Chrysocorona and Quambalaria were detected in one location only. Interpretation: The present study confirmed the diversity of endophytic fungi in Taify grapevine, including pathogenic and non-pathogenic species. The detected species have potential to be used as biocontrol species against economically important pathogens such as Alternaria and Hanseniaspora. This will contribute to our understanding of grapevine-endophytic fungi interaction and their utilization to enhance grapevine production and quality. Key words: Endophytes, Fungi, Grapevine, Metagenomic, Next generation sequencing