Background:

Endophytic fungi are symbiotic microorganisms of plants. They are diverse and abundant in tropical regions. However, studies on cucurbits have been limited to temperate and semi-arid regions.

Objective:

To isolate endophytic fungi associated with creole cucurbits from Yucatan.

Methods:

Endophytic fungi were isolated and purified, using different growth media, from leaves, stems, roots, flowers, and seeds of white cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and calabash (Lagenaria siceraria).

Results and conclusions:

Three-hundred-nineteen isolates were obtained, and 16 genera were identified, predominantly Aspergillus. The presence of endophytic fungi in tropical creole cucurbits was recorded for the first time. Testing the antagonistic and growth-promoting effects of the isolated strains is recommended.

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