A research team from the College of Food and Agriculture, CFA, at the United Arab Emirates University, UAEU, has discovered a new fungus, with beneficial properties, known as Dominikia Emiratia.

It is a species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. These fungi live in plant roots and protect the host from disease, dehydration and tough weather conditions. The discovery was made while evaluating micro-organic life in the sands around Sweihan in Abu Dhabi.

The discovery is a result of concerted efforts by the UAEU research team and researchers from the West Pomeranian University of Technology in Poland. The team isolated the fungus and identified its physical and genetic features. They chose to name the fungus Dominikia Emiratia as it was discovered in the UAE.

Professor Mohammed Al Baili, Vice Chancellor of UAEU, stressed the importance of this discovery, one of many made at UAEU. As the national university, UAEU strives to serve both local and wider society, he said, adding that the research team is now working to develop this discovery up to the production stage. "By carrying the name of the country, this discovery enhances the reputation of the UAE and UAEU in terms of scientific research and academia. It is to be hoped that such discoveries encourage further innovation and exploration."

He went on to say, "this discovery contributes to the UAE’s green economy which seeks to reach many sustainable goals for the country. UAEU is working in tune with the nation’s agenda and that of UAE Vision 2021 to achieve a more sustainable environment."

Professor Bhanu Chowdhary, Dean of the CFA, praised the research team, adding that "the CFA is proud of the cooperation between researchers and students. The college is looking forward to utilising the fungus in commercial applications very soon."

"There are several benefits of this newly discovered fungus. One of the most important is that it acts as an effective medium to transfer food to plants and in doing so protects plants from disease, and enhances their sustainability in tough environmental and weather conditions," he continued.

Dr. Mohammed Nasser Al Yehyaei, the chief researcher, explained that the discovery is of great significance as the fungus can cope with the environmental conditions in the UAE.

The team will conduct further studies to discover the best methods for producing commercial quantities of the fungus in order to use it to increase crop productivity in a more sustainable way, allowing for the avoidance of chemical fertilisers.