Fungal endophytes of cactus ( <i>Stenocereus</i> spp.) as a potential alternative to alleviate drought stress in juveniles of <i>Theobroma cacao</i> L. ICS95

sp. maintained less negative leaf water potential values under drought stress conditions and exhibited significantly lower proline accumulation compared to non-inoculated controls. Furthermore, under favorable conditions, some endophytes could promote growth by increasing leaf area compared to non-inoculated plants. These findings underscore the potential of fungal endophytes from arid ecosystems as biotechnological tools for sustainable cacao production. Further studies should explore the role of fungi when affecting plant proline metabolism.