This study focuses on the diversity of fungal species associated with the leaf spot disease and healthy fruits of date palms ( Phoenix dactylifera L.) in Oman, utilizing next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, specifically Illumina MiSeq. Fungal communities were analyzed in three date palm cultivars—Khalas, Naghal, and Khisab—across two locations, Rustaq and Samail, and at different fruit developmental stages (Khalal, Bisar and Rutab). The study identified 20 dominant fungal species, with the majority belonging to the phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Notably, the abundance and diversity of fungal isolates varied across cultivars, tissues (leaves vs . fruits), and locations. Pathogenic species like Alternaria sp., associated with leaf spot diseases, were prevalent in some cultivars, while beneficial endophytic fungi, such as Marasmius confertus and Phylloporia ribis , were more abundant in Naghal. The study suggests a competitive dynamic between pathogenic and beneficial fungi, influencing fungal abundance and potentially mitigating disease severity. Phylogenetic analysis revealed evolutionary trends in fungal species, with Naghal cultivars exhibiting higher genomic evolution of beneficial fungi compared to Khalas and Khisab. This could indicate a selection pressure favoring mutualistic interactions that enhance plant resilience. The findings underscore the ecological importance of fungal diversity in date palms and highlight the need for further research to leverage beneficial fungi for disease management and agricultural sustainability. This study provides a baseline for developing targeted strategies to manage fungal pathogens and optimize date palm productivity in the harsh climatic conditions. • Characterization of fungal diversity in date palm using Illumina MiSeq. • Significant variation in fungi among cultivars and locations. • Competitive interaction exists between pathogenic and beneficial fungi.
Al-Nadabi et al. (Mon,) studied this question.