Characteristic of Tuber spp. localities in natural stands with emphasis on plant species composition

Dorota Hilszczanska,Aleksandra Rosa-Gruszecka,Hanna Szmidla

doi:10.5586/am.2014.024

Abstract

Fungi belonging to the genus Tuber establish ectomycorrhizal symbioses with shrubs, trees and some herbaceous plants. Some Tuber species, for example, T. melanosporum, T. magnatum, T. aestivum are economically important because they produce edible fruiting bodies with a distinctive taste and flavor. Our concept of truffle ecophysiology is dominated by the symbiosis with deciduous hosts, such as: Quercus spp., Fagus sylvatica, Castanea sativa, Corylus spp., Carpinus betulus, Ostrya carpinifolia, Betula verrucosa, and Tilia spp., whereas the real range of hosts in nature seems to be much wider. Moreover, interactions between Tuber mycelium and plant community could be more complex than just forming the ectomycorrhizal symbiosis. Here we show our inventory of plants and soils at six truffle’ sites in the southern part of Poland (Nida Basin and Przedbórz Upland). The aim of this study was to widen our understanding of ecological factors affecting Tuber spp., in the context of pioneering stage of research on truffles in Poland. We hope our findings will have a practical application and will help to choose suitable soils for truffle orchards.

Highlights

Truffles are prized fungi due to their taste and aroma
At five out of six sites T. aestivum was accompanied by other truffle species (Tab. 1, Tab. 2)
Truffles mainly depend on mutual relationships with angiosperm hosts including Quercus spp., Fagus sylvatica and Corylus avellana [21,22]

Summary

Introduction

Truffles are prized fungi due to their taste and aroma. They are hypogeous and belong to Pezizales, a large group of ectomycorrhizal fungi growing in symbiosis with the roots of several vascular plant species (angiosperms and gymnosperms). The first two species mentioned earlier are mainly confined to Mediterranean and some South Europe countries (Bulgaria and Serbia) while T. aestivum is widely distributed throughout Europe [1,2]. The fungus forms ectomycorrhizal symbioses with many different species, including Corylus avellana, Quercus robur, Fagus sylvatica, Tilia cordata and Pinus nigra. This truffle species prefers calcareous soils with pH levels near or above

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