Abstract
Truffles are hypogeous fungi mainly found in Europe and Asia. Due to their special aroma and taste, some truffle species are sold on the international market at an extremely high price. Among the economically relevant species, the white Alba truffle (Tuber magnatum) and the black Périgord truffle (T. melanosporum) are the most appreciated species. The fruiting bodies of the Asian black truffle are morphologically very similar to T. melanosporum, and those of the Bianchetto truffle (T. albidum Pico) are similar to T. magnatum, but are of little economic value. Highly valued species are adulterated with cheaper ones, especially. Because of this problem, the aim of this study was the development of methods for detecting possible admixtures to protect consumers from fraud. This study is based on seven different truffle species (117 fruiting bodies) from different growing regions. Additionally, selected truffle products were included. Using this material, a real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) assay allowing the detection and quantitation of Asian black truffles in T. melanosporum up to 0.5% was developed. In addition, a capillary gel electrophoresis assay was designed, which allows the identification and quantitation of different species. The methods can be used to ensure the integrity of truffle products.
Highlights
IntroductionTruffles are underground fungi belonging to the class of the Ascomycetes in the order Pezizales [1,2]
Truffles are underground fungi belonging to the class of the Ascomycetes in the order Pezizales [1,2].They grow in an ectomycorrhizal symbiosis with roots of different trees and shrubs, e.g., oak, poplar, willow, hazel [3], and Cistus [4]
The present paper reports the application of molecular techniques, real-time PCR, capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE), and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) to identify and quantify admixtures of different truffle species
Summary
Truffles are underground fungi belonging to the class of the Ascomycetes in the order Pezizales [1,2]. They grow in an ectomycorrhizal symbiosis with roots of different trees and shrubs, e.g., oak, poplar, willow, hazel [3], and Cistus [4]. At least 180 Tuber species exist worldwide [6], 70–75 species have been well described [7], and 32 species are currently listed in Europe [8]. The unique aroma and taste emitted from the fruiting bodies are responsible for the gastronomical desirability; some truffles represent some of the most highly prized edible and valuable mushrooms worldwide [10]
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