The Pitahaya, also known as dragon fruit, is a crop whose demand in the Peruvian market has grown significantly due to its nutraceutical properties. However, species within the genus Selenicereus are highly susceptible to various pathogens. In this context, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) not only exhibit remarkable adaptability to adverse conditions but also contribute to protecting plants against pathogens, enhancing their health and resilience. The present study aimed to report the symbiotic relationship between AMF and wild accessions of Selenicereu undatus, assessing the presence of fungal structures (hyphae, arbuscules, vesicles) in the roots, the diversity of AMF in rhizospheric soil, and the confirmation of AMF-DNA in the roots. For this purpose, soil and root samples were collected from two wild pitahaya accessions in the Peruvian Amazon. The results revealed the presence of 16 AMF species across eight genera, with the genus Acaulospora being the most abundant. Furthermore, the Cabo Aberto Leveau accession exhibited a higher colonization rate (38%) compared to the Bellavista accession (22%). Molecular analysis successfully amplified a DNA band of approximately 1500 base pairs, confirming the presence of AMFDNA in the roots of both accessions evaluated. These findings lay the groundwork for advancing studies focused on the potential of AMF associations with pitahaya cultivation and developing technologies for sustainable agricultural systems.
