Recent records of hypogeous fungi in Greece

Stephanos Diamandis,Charikleia Perlerou

doi:10.5586/am.2008.017

Abstract

Uncertainty among Greek farmers who are in search of new and profitable crops has increased interest in truffle cultivation. Recent research has come up with 23 taxa of hypogeous fungi new for Greece including gastronomically valuable species. Natural ecosystems of Quercus pubescens, Q. frainetto, Q. ilex and Q. coccifera seem to be rich in hypogeous species. Ecosystems with Corylus avellana, Carpinus betulus, Mediterranean pines and even poplar plantations were found to also host hypogeous fungi. These records, supported by historical information about the existence of truffles in Greece, seem to be encouraging hints for systematic truffle cultivation.

Highlights

STEPHANOS DIAMANDIS and CHARIKLEIA PERLEROUDiamandis S., Perlerou Ch.: Recent records of hypogeous fungi in Greece
Hypogeous fungi and truffles in particular have been known in Greece since antiquity
Romans considered Greek truffles to be of high culinary quality and according to the Italian medical doctor, Bartolomeo Platina (1400 A.D.), the best truffles were those of Africa, Syria, Greece and Libya

Summary

STEPHANOS DIAMANDIS and CHARIKLEIA PERLEROU

Diamandis S., Perlerou Ch.: Recent records of hypogeous fungi in Greece. Uncertainty among Greek farmers who are in search of new and profitable crops has increased interest in truffle cultivation. Recent research has come up with 23 taxa of hypogeous fungi new for Greece including gastronomically valuable species. Natural ecosystems of Quercus pubescens, Q. frainetto, Q. ilex and Q. coccifera seem to be rich in hypogeous species. Ecosystems with Corylus avellana, Carpinus betulus, Mediterranean pines and even poplar plantations were found to host hypogeous fungi. These records, supported by historical information about the existence of truffles in Greece, seem to be encouraging hints for systematic truffle cultivation

INTRODUCTION

RECORDED TAXA

DISCUSSION