Endophytic fungal community succession in reproductive organs of two olive tree cultivars with contrasting anthracnose susceptibilities

The factors shaping endophytic fungal assemblages in reproductive organs have been less evaluated than vegetative organs. Here, the temporal dynamics of endophytes inflorescences and fruits olive tree cultivars with contrasting anthracnose susceptibilities was assessed, starting before flowers open until fruit ripening. Fungal diversity assessed by rRNA sequencing cultivable isolates revealed a higher richness abundance fruits. Endophytes from Sordariomycetes were dominant inflorescences, while they Dothideomycetes. overall shaped mainly plant organ, followed phenological stage lastly, cultivar. importance cultivar as factor varied according to being only significant inflorescence-associated endophytes. A set taxa positively associated particular stage, likely contributing resistance.