Functional characterisation of Dof gene family and expression analysis under abiotic stresses and melatonin-mediated tolerance in pitaya (Selenicereus undatus).

DNA binding proteins with one finger (Dof ) transcription factors are essential for seed development and defence against various biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. Genomic analysis of Dof has not been determined yet in pitaya (Selenicereus undatus ). In this study, we have identified 26 Dof gene family members, renamed as HuDof-1 to HuDof-26 , and clustered them into seven subfamilies based on conserved motifs, domains, and phylogenetic analysis. The gene pairs of Dof family members were duplicated by segmental duplications that faced purifying selection, as indicated by the K a /K s ratio values. Promoter regions of HuDof genes contain many cis -acting elements related to phytohormones including abscisic acid, jasmonic acid, gibberellin, temperature, and light. We exposed pitaya plants to different environmental stresses and examined melatonin's influence on Dof gene expression levels. Signifcant expression of HuDof -2 and HuDof -6 were observed in different developmental stages of flower buds, flowers, pericarp, and pulp. Pitaya plants were subjected to abiotic stresses, and transcriptome analysis was carried out to identify the role of Dof gene family members. RNA-sequencing data and reverse transcription quantitative PCR-based expression analysis revealed three putative candidate genes (HuDof -1, HuDof -2, and HuDof -8), which might have diverse roles against the abiotic stresses. Our study provides a theoretical foundation for functional analysis through traditional and modern biotechnological tools for pitaya trait improvement.

Single-cell and spatial RNA sequencing reveal the spatiotemporal trajectories of fruit senescence.

The senescence of fruit is a complex physiological process, with various cell types within the pericarp, making it highly challenging to elucidate their individual roles in fruit senescence. In this study, a single-cell expression atlas of the pericarp of pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) is constructed, revealing exocarp and mesocarp cells undergoing the most significant changes during the fruit senescence process. Pseudotime analysis establishes cellular differentiation and gene expression trajectories during senescence. Early-stage oxidative stress imbalance is followed by the activation of resistance in exocarp cells, subsequently senescence-associated proteins accumulate in the mesocarp cells at late-stage senescence. The central role of the early response factor HuCMB1 is unveiled in the senescence regulatory network. This study provides a spatiotemporal perspective for a deeper understanding of the dynamic senescence process in plants.

Full-fat corn germ improves the performance and milk fat yield of Girolando cows fed sugarcane bagasse and cactus cladodes as forage sources.

We investigated the effects of replacing ground corn with full-fat corn germ (FFCG) on milk production, milk composition, and nutrient use in cows fed sugarcane bagasse and cactus cladodes. Ten multiparous Girolando cows (average body weight 500 ± 66 kg, 90 ± 15 days in milk) were distributed in a replicated 5 × 5 Latin Square and assigned to five dietary treatments containing 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of full-fat corn germ in substitution to ground corn. Full-fat corn germ increased fat-corrected milk yield by 2.2 kg/day and the synthesis of fat, lactose, and total solids in milk by 94.4, 60.0, and 201.10 g/day, respectively (p < 0.05). Cows fed corn germ quadratically increased (p < 0.05) dry matter intake by 1.01 kg/day, with the intake of crude protein and total digestible nutrients following the same pattern. Conversely, the substitution of corn for full-fat corn germ linearly reduced (p < 0.05) the total non-fiber carbohydrate intake from 5.79 to 4.40 kg/d. Except for ether extract and non-fiber carbohydrates, full-fat corn germ did not alter (p > 0.05) nutrient digestibility. Cows fed corn germ excreted less (p < 0.05) urea-N in milk and urine N. These results demonstrate that full-fat corn germ can partially replace ground corn to enhance the milk production efficiency of crossbred cows fed cactus cladodes and sugarcane bagasse. Furthermore, including sugarcane bagasse in FFCG-supplemented diets prevents milk fat depression in cows fed cactus cladodes.

Effect of egg production dynamics on the functional response of two parasitoids.

Functional response describes the number of hosts attacked by a parasitoid in relation to host densities and plays an important role by connecting behavioral-level processes with community-level processes. Most functional response studies were carried out using simple experimental designs where the insects were confined to a plain and small arena with different host densities during a fixed period of time. With these designs, other factors that might affect the functional response of parasitoids were not analyzed, such as fecundity, age, and experience. We proposed a series of latent-variables Markovian models that comprised an integrated approach of functional response and egg production models to estimate the realized lifetime reproductive success of parasitoids. As a case study, we used the parasitoids Anagyrus cachamai and A. lapachosus (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), two candidate agents for neoclassical biocontrol of the Puerto Rican cactus pest mealybug, Hypogeococcus sp. (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). The tested species were assessed according to their physiology and prior experience. We estimated the number of mature eggs after emergence, egg production on the first day, egg production rate, the proportion of eggs resorbed, egg resorption threshold, and egg storage capacity. Anagyrus cachamai and A. lapachosus both presented a type III functional response. However, the two parasitoids behaved differently; for A. cachamai, the number of parasitized hosts decreased with female age and depended on the number of mature eggs that were available for oviposition, whereas A. lapachosus host parasitism increased with female age and was modulated by its daily egg load and previous experience. The methodology presented may have large applicability in pest control, invasive species management, and conservation biology, as it has the potential to increase our understanding of the reproductive biology of a wide variety of species, ultimately leading to improved management strategies.

Forage cactus as an additive in corn without the cob silages of feedlot sheep diets.

This study aimed to assess the impact of adding forage cactus as an additive to the production of corn silage without the cob on the performance of feedlot sheep and subsequent silage losses. The experimental design was completely randomized, consisting of three treatments: corn silage without cob; 0% = 100% corn plant without the cob; 10% = 90% corn plant without cob + 10% forage cactus; 20% = 80% corn plant without cob + 20% forage cactus. Significant effects were observed for dry matter intake (P = 0.0201), organic matter (P = 0.0152), ether extract (P = 0.0001), non-fiber carbohydrates (P = 0.0007). Notably, nutrient digestibility showed significant differences in organic matter (P = 0.0187), ether extract (P = 0.0095), neutral detergent fiber (P = 0.0005), non-fiber carbohydrates (P = 0.0001), and metabolizable energy (P = 0.0001). Performance variables, including total weight gain (P = 0.0148), average daily weight gain (P = 0.0148), feeding efficiency, and rumination efficiency of dry matter (P = 0.0113), also exhibited significant effects. Consequently, it is recommended to include 20% forage cactus in corn silage, which, based on natural matter, helps meet animals' water needs through feed. This inclusion is especially vital in semi-arid regions and aids in reducing silage losses during post-opening silo disposal.

Growing or reproducing? Assessing the existence of a trade-off in the globose cactus Gymnocalycium monvillei.

Resource allocation in plants is a fundamental aspect of life history theory. In Cactaceae, the specific trade-off between sexual reproduction and vegetative growth has still not been studied. The aim of this work was to assess if there is a trade-off between growth and reproduction, and to analyse whether both growth and allocation to reproduction depend on size of the individual. In this study, we used Gymnocalycium monvillei, a globose cactus endemic to the mountains of central Argentina, as a model species. Specifically, we analysed the relationship of growth (percentage increase in diameter) and size of individuals (diameter) to seed production, seed mass, germination, and mean germination time. To relativize the effect of size on seed production, two variables were calculated: the ratio of seed production to plant size (RSPS), and the ratio of total seed mass to plant size (RSMS). We found that both seed production and total seed mass were significantly related to cactus size. However, growth was not related to seed mass or to seed production, even when they were relativized. Germination and mean germination time were not related to plant size or growth. In the studied species, a slow-growing globose cactus, we did not find a trade-off between growth and reproduction.

Removal of lead in water by coagulation flocculation process using Cactus-based natural coagulant: optimization and modeling by response surface methodology (RSM).

The aim of this research is to study the ability of Cactus leaves to act as a biocoagulants for the removal of lead in water. Different solvents, such as distilled water, NaCl, NaOH, and HCl, were used as chemical activators to extract the active components from the Cactus. The Cactus was utilized as an organic coagulant in five different forms: (i) Cactus juice (CJ); Cactus extract using (ii) distilled water (C-H2O); (iii) NaCl at 0.5 M concentration (C-NaCl); (iv) NaOH at 0.05 M concentration (C-NaOH); and (v) HCl at 0.05 M concentration (C-HCl). In order to establish the optimal conditions for the coagulation, this study employed the jar test as an experimental technique and the Box-Behnken design (BBD) as an experimental approach. According to BBD, there are three factors (k = 3), namely pH, biocoagulant dosage, and settling time. The R2 and R2 adjusted for all coagulants were close to 100%, confirming the validity of all the mathematical models. The results were significant; the highest lead removal efficiencies were 98.11%, 98.34%, 95.65, 96.19%, and 97.49%, utilizing CJ, C-H2O, C-NaCl, C-HCl, and C-NaOH as natural coagulants. The Cactus has been characterized using FTIR, XRD, and SEM to identify the active components that remove lead.

UPLC-QTOF-MSE based metabolomics and chemometrics study of the pitaya processing.

The search for knowledge related to the Pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus [F.A.C. Weber] Britton & Rose, family Cactaceae) is commonly due to its beneficial health properties e aesthetic values. But process to obtain pitaya pulp is a first and important step in providing information for the subsequent use of this fruit as colorant, for example. Therefore, the effects of the pulping process on the metabolomic and chemometric profile of non-volatile compounds of pitaya were assessed for the first time. The differences in metabolic fingerprints using UPLC-QTOF-MSE and multivariate modeling (PCA and OPLS-DA) was performed in the following treatments: treatment A, which consists of pelled pitaya and no ascorbic acid addition during pulping; treatment B, use of unpelled pitaya added of ascorbic acid during pulping; and control, unpelled pitaya and no ascorbic acid addition during pulping. For the metabolomic analysis, UPLC-QTOF-MSE shows an efficient method for the simultaneous determination of 35 non-volatile pitaya metabolites, including isorhamnetin glucosyl rhamnosyl isomers, phyllocactin isomers, 2'-O-apiosyl-phylocactin and 4'-O-malonyl-betanin. In addition, the chemometric analysis efficiently distinguished the metabolic compounds of each treatment applied and shows that the use of unpelled pitaya added of ascorbic acid during pulping has an interesting chemical profile due to the preservation or formation of compounds, such as those derived from betalain, and higher yields, which is desirable for the food industry.

Opuntioideae cactus stem Bioimaging analysis: Bridging taxonomy and antimicrobial research.

This study presents a comprehensive scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of Opuntioideae cactus stems indigenous to the arid regions of Saudi Arabia, elucidating their intricate microstructural features. The findings not only advance taxonomic understanding by aiding in species differentiation but also reveal the antimicrobial potential of these cacti, highlighting their significance as valuable natural resources for both ecological and pharmaceutical applications. The present study is aimed to present the stem epidermal anatomical description of Opuntioideae (Cactaceae) belonging to genus Opuntia (five Species), Cylindropuntia (two Species), and Austrocylindropuntia (one Species) as tool for systematic identification. Stem epidermal anatomical features represent here are epidermal cells, stomatal complex, subsidiary cells, and trichomes findings was observed using light microscope and SEM. The stem epidermal sections were made by heating in test tube containing lactic acid and nitric acid protocol. In anatomical findings, irregular, zigzag, wavy, and polygonal epidermal cells with sinuate, sinuous, and straight anticlinal walls were observed. Quantitatively minimum length (28.05 ± 2.05 µm) and width (23.15 ± 3.41 µm) of epidermal cells were noted in Cylindropuntia kleiniae. Paracytic type of stomata present was observed in all species with kidney-shaped guard cell present in six species, and in Opuntia macrocentra and Austrocylindropuntia subulata, dumbbell-shaped guard cells were observed. The largest length of stomata (53.25 ± 2.05 µm) and width of stomata (35.10 ± 5.19 µm) were observed in Opuntia monacantha. In present research work, stem anatomical features show many diverse characters are of special attention for plant taxonomist for the correct identification and provide baseline for further study in subfamily Opuntiodeae. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The intricate microstructures of Opuntioideae cactus stems. Investigating the antimicrobial potential of compounds found within Opuntioideae cactus stems. Correlations between the unique structural features observed through SEM and the antimicrobial activity of Opuntioideae cactus stem extracts.

Host-pathogen interaction between pitaya and Neoscytalidium dimidiatum reveals the mechanisms of immune response associated with defense regulators and metabolic pathways.

BACKGROUND: Understanding how plants and pathogens regulate each other's gene expression during their interactions is key to revealing the mechanisms of disease resistance and controlling the development of pathogens. Despite extensive studies on the molecular and genetic basis of plant immunity against pathogens, the influence of pitaya immunity on N. dimidiatum metabolism to restrict pathogen growth is poorly understood, and how N. dimidiatum breaks through pitaya defenses. In this study, we used the RNA-seq method to assess the expression profiles of pitaya and N. dimidiatum at 4 time periods after interactions to capture the early effects of N. dimidiatum on pitaya processes. RESULTS: The study defined the establishment of an effective method for analyzing transcriptome interactions between pitaya and N. dimidiatum and to obtain global expression profiles. We identified gene expression clusters in both the host pitaya and the pathogen N. dimidiatum. The analysis showed that numerous differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in the recognition and defense of pitaya against N. dimidiatum, as well as N. dimidiatum's evasion of recognition and inhibition of pitaya. The major functional groups identified by GO and KEGG enrichment were responsible for plant and pathogen recognition, phytohormone signaling (such as salicylic acid, abscisic acid). Furthermore, the gene expression of 13 candidate genes involved in phytopathogen recognition, phytohormone receptors, and the plant resistance gene (PG), as well as 7 effector genes of N. dimidiatum, including glycoside hydrolases, pectinase, and putative genes, were validated by qPCR. By focusing on gene expression changes during interactions between pitaya and N. dimidiatum, we were able to observe the infection of N. dimidiatum and its effects on the expression of various defense components and host immune receptors. CONCLUSION: Our data show that various regulators of the immune response are modified during interactions between pitaya and N. dimidiatum. Furthermore, the activation and repression of these genes are temporally coordinated. These findings provide a framework for better understanding the pathogenicity of N. dimidiatum and its role as an opportunistic pathogen. This offers the potential for a more effective defense against N. dimidiatum.

Structural and functional investigation on stem and peel polysaccharides from different varieties of pitaya.

Varieties of plant species may affect the composition and structures of the polysaccharides, thus have an impact on their chemical properties and biological activities. Herein, the present study comparatively evaluated the differences in the chemical composition, morphological structures, antioxidant activity, and anti-inflammatory activity of the stem and peel polysaccharides from different varieties of pitaya. The FT-IR and NMR spectra indicated that the six polysaccharides had similar structural features, whereas the physicochemical characterization showed that they differed significantly in terms of the monosaccharide composition, molecular weight, and surface morphology. In addition, different varieties of pitaya polysaccharides exhibited different antioxidant activities and similar anti-inflammatory activities. These data suggested that varietal differences resulted in pitaya stem and peel polysaccharides with different monosaccharide compositions and molecular weights, thus led to different antioxidant activities and protection against oxidative damage, while similar structural features were closely related to their similar anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, the study of the stem and peel polysaccharides from different varieties of pitaya can help us to better understand the relationship between their composition and structure and their biological activities. In addition, pitaya stem and peel polysaccharides have the potential to act as antioxidants or to treat inflammatory damage.

Structure of saguaro cactus virus 3' translational enhancer mimics 5' cap for eIF4E binding.

The genomes of several plant viruses contain RNA structures at their 3' ends called cap-independent translation enhancers (CITEs) that bind the host protein factors such as mRNA 5' cap-binding protein eIF4E for promoting cap-independent genome translation. However, the structural basis of such 5' cap-binding protein recognition by the uncapped RNA remains largely unknown. Here, we have determined the crystal structure of a 3' CITE, panicum mosaic virus-like translation enhancer (PTE) from the saguaro cactus virus (SCV), using a Fab crystallization chaperone. The PTE RNA folds into a three-way junction architecture with a pseudoknot between the purine-rich R domain and pyrimidine-rich Y domain, which organizes the overall structure to protrude out a specific guanine nucleotide, G18, from the R domain that comprises a major interaction site for the eIF4E binding. The superimposable crystal structures of the wild-type, G18A, G18C, and G18U mutants suggest that the PTE scaffold is preorganized with the flipped-out G18 ready to dock into the eIF4E 5' cap-binding pocket. The binding studies with wheat and human eIF4Es using gel electrophoresis and isothermal titration calorimetry, and molecular docking computation for the PTE-eIF4E complex demonstrated that the PTE structure essentially mimics the mRNA 5' cap for eIF4E binding. Such 5' cap mimicry by the uncapped and structured viral RNA highlights how viruses can exploit RNA structures to mimic the host protein-binding partners and bypass the canonical mechanisms for their genome translation, providing opportunities for a better understanding of virus-host interactions and non-canonical translation mechanisms found in many pathogenic RNA viruses.

Technology Prospection of Ora-pro-Nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.): A Non-conventional Food Plant.

BACKGROUND: The ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.) is a plant from Brazilian biodiversity used for food and medicinal purposes. It has ample technological potential, however, it is still underutilized, being classified as a Non-Conventional Food Plant (PANC). Prospective studies in intellectual property banks make it possible to expand perspectives for scientific research, enhancing the generation of new products. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the patents of products containing Pereskia aculeata Mill. for the areas of food and health in intellectual property databases. METHODS: The study was conducted through structured prospective investigation (collection, processing and analysis) in 4 patent databases: National Institute of Intellectual Property (INPI) - Brazil, United States Patent and Trademark Office, World Trade Organization Intellectual Property (WIPO) and Espacenet. RESULTS: The evaluation showed a reduced number of registered patents. In general, 8 patent applications were examined, of which 7 are directly associated with the species (and its derivatives) and 1 is related to a device specially designed for harvesting leaves/fruits and removing thorns. The focus of the patents was the use of the species in the food, pharmaceutical and biotechnological areas, with emphasis on the use of the leaves in the extraction of mucilage and proteins. CONCLUSION: This study showed that Pereskia aculeata Mill. is a technologically promising plant, because of its nutritional and medicinal composition, and it is important to encourage innovation and the development of new products with the species.

Ecological and metabolic implications of the nurse effect of Maihueniopsis camachoi in the Atacama Desert.

Plant-plant positive interactions are key drivers of community structure. Yet, the underlying molecular mechanisms of facilitation processes remain unexplored. We investigated the 'nursing' effect of Maihueniopsis camachoi, a cactus that thrives in the Atacama Desert between c. 2800 and 3800 m above sea level. We hypothesised that an important protective factor is thermal amelioration of less cold-tolerant species with a corresponding impact on molecular phenotypes. To test this hypothesis, we compared plant cover and temperatures within the cactus foliage with open areas and modelled the effect of temperatures on plant distribution. We combined eco-metabolomics and machine learning to test the molecular consequences of this association. Multiple species benefited from the interaction with M. camachoi. A conspicuous example was the extended distribution of Atriplex imbricata to colder elevations in association with M. camachoi (400 m higher as compared to plants in open areas). Metabolomics identified 93 biochemical markers predicting the interaction status of A. imbricata with 79% accuracy, independently of year. These findings place M. camachoi as a key species in Atacama plant communities, driving local biodiversity with an impact on molecular phenotypes of nursed species. Our results support the stress-gradient hypothesis and provide pioneer insights into the metabolic consequences of facilitation.

To be or not to be fragrant: floral scent of some bat-pollinated cacti.

Floral scent is a key olfactory cue in both diurnal and nocturnal pollination systems. In the case of nocturnal systems, such as bat-pollinated flowers, odour seems to play a more important role than visual cues. Cactaceae include many bat-pollinated species; however, few studies have investigated the olfactory cues in this family. We analysed and compared the chemical composition of the floral bouquet of three chiropterophilous cactus species, among which are a pair of congeners that differ considerably in scent intensity. Our research presents novel findings regarding the floral scent chemistry of chiropterophilous cactus species. We documented the first case of a bat-pollinated cactus whose flowers lack perceptible floral scent and in which no volatile compounds were detected in our chemical analyses. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the chemical composition of the floral bouquet of the other two bat-pollinated species, revealing a resemblance among closely related species within the same genus. We highlight the need for further studies using biotests to investigate the mechanisms through which bats find flowers lacking scent.

Epidermis of Cereus hildmannianus as a biomimetic scaffold for tissue engineering.

A thin plastic-like film separated from the epidermis of Cereus hildmannianus has excellent tensile strength, resistance to water and high antimicrobial activity and supports the growth of mouse fibroblast cells. Cactuses are one of the most under explored plant species with high potential for food, materials, pharmaceutical and other applications. Although studies have shown the ability of cactuses to be used for food, as a source for fibers, as reinforcement for composites and other applications, the role of individual layers and their properties has been studied to a limited extent. In this paper, a thin translucent layer was separated from the epidermis of C. hildmannianus and studied for its composition, structure and properties. The layer is composed of about 73% cellulose and 2% lignin and morphologically, shows surface with uneven and serrated edges. Films with length of up to 36 cm, strength of 6.8 MPa and elongation of 2.5% could be peeled from the cactus suggesting their suitability for food packaging and other applications. X-ray diffraction patterns and FTIR spectrums indicated that the films are similar to that of cellulose and major thermal degradation occurred above 280°C. Compared to standards, the cactus films showed about 41% and 44% inhibition against gram positive and gram negative bacteria and 67% inhibition of the common fungal strain (A. niger). Films showed high stability in water and to common chemicals. When used as substrates for mouse fibroblast cell growth, no cytotoxicity was observed and the cactus peel supported the attachment and proliferation of cells demonstrating potential to be used as a biomaterial for tissue engineering applications.

An Overview on the Hallucinogenic Peyote and Its Alkaloid Mescaline: The Importance of Context, Ceremony and Culture.

Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) is a cactus that contains various biologically active alkaloids-such as pellotine, anhalonidine, hordenine and mescaline. Here, mescaline induces the psychoactive effects of peyote through the activation of the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor and the subsequent release of calcium (Ca2+) from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Moreover, an evaluation of the therapeutic benefits of mescaline is also currently the subject of research. It is important to consider that the outcome of taking a psychedelic drug strongly depends on the mindset of the recipient and the context (set and setting principle), including ceremonies and culture. This overview serves to summarise the current state of the knowledge of the metabolism, mechanism of action and clinical application studies of peyote and mescaline. Furthermore, the benefits of the potential of peyote and mescaline are presented in a new light, setting an example for combining a form of treatment embedded in nature and ritually enriched with our current highly innovative Western medicine.

Improving red pitaya fruit quality by nano-selenium biofortification to enhance phenylpropanoid and betalain biosynthesis.

Red pitaya, the representative tropical and subtropical fruit, is vulnerable to quality deterioration due to climate or agronomic measures. Nano-selenium (Nano-Se) has shown positive effects on crop biofortification in favour of reversing this situation. In this study, Se could be enriched efficiently in red pitayas via root and foliar application by Nano-Se, which induced higher phenolic acids (16.9-94.2%), total phenols (15.7%), total flavonoids (29.5%) and betacyanins (34.1%) accumulation in flesh. Richer antioxidative features including activities of SOD (25.2%), CAT (33.8%), POD (77.2%), and levels of AsA (25.7%) and DPPH (14.7%) were obtained in Nano-Se-treated pitayas as well as in their 4-8 days shelf-life. The non-targeted metabolomics indicated a boost in amino acids, resulting in the stimulation of phenylpropanoid and betalain biosynthesis. In conclusion, the mechanism of Nano-Se biofortification for red pitaya might be fortifying pigment, as well as the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant substances formation by regulating primary and secondary metabolism facilitated by Se accumulation.

Cactus Endophytic Fungi and Bioprospecting for their Enzymes and Bioactive Molecules: A Systematic Review.

Endophytic fungi are associated with plant health and represent a remarkable source of potential of enzymes and bioactive compounds, but the diversity of endophytes remains uncertain and poorly explored, especially in Cactaceae, one of the most species-rich families adapted to growing in arid and semi-arid regions. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review on the diversity and bioprospecting of endophytic fungi from Cactaceae. We analysed peer-reviewed articles from seven databases using PRISMA guidelines. The results showed that the Cactaceae family is a source of new taxa, but the diversity of endophytic fungi of Cactaceae is little explored, mainly the diversity among tissues and by metagenomics. Bioprospecting studies have shown that these microorganisms can be used in the production of enzymes and larvicidal and antifungal compounds. Our results are relevant as a starting point for researchers to develop studies that expand the knowledge of plant mycobiota in arid and semi-arid ecosystems, as well as comprising a remarkable source of fungal compounds with several biotechnological applications.