Tuber spp. are ectomycorrhizal ascomycetes that produce ascocarps known as truffles. Basic aspects of Tuber biology have yet to be fully elucidated. In particular, there are conflicting hypotheses concerning the mating system and the ploidy level of the mycorrhizal and truffle hyphae. We used polymorphic microsatellites to compare the allelic configurations of asci with those from the network o...

BACKGROUND Traditional Environmental Knowledge (TEK) related to truffles represents an under-investigated area of research in ethnobiology. Nevertheless, truffles, in a few southern European areas, and notably in South Piedmont, represent a crucial component of the local economy and cultural heritage. METHODS Thirty-four white truffle (Tuber magnatum Pico) gatherers, locally known as trifulau...

Fungi pursuing the truffle strategy by producing underground fruiting bodies have long been recognized as an artificial group with representatives in Zygomycota, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Those producing asci (a saclike structure where the spores are produced) were at one time all placed in the order Tuberales (Ascomycota) (e.g. from Tulasne & Tulasne 1851 to Korf 1973). Similarities betwee...

The distribution and abundance of the various truffle species are influenced by climate, soil, vegetation conditions. setting these characteristics is necessary for potential species’ cultivation. Here, we describe ecological Moroccan truffles desert their associations with host plants. We also determine climate soil parameters relating to geographic fructification truffles. In contrast truffle...

Background: Kalahari truffle (Kalaharituber pfeilii) is found in the Kalahari desert and nearby regions (Africa). This study assessed the microbiological quality and safety, mycotoxins, and heavy metals contents of raw Kalahari truffle sold in Namibia. Methods: Batches of Kalahari truffles were purchased from informal markets and different vendors in Namibia. Total aerobic, coliform, yeast, an...

Background: Tuber aestivum Vittad., known as black summer truffle, represents high-value food especially used as garnishment in nouvelle cuisine. The aim of this study was to investigate on the viable microbial populations associated with T. aestivum ascomata collected in different sites of Sicily and one locality of Umbria (Italy). Methods: The ripe ascomata of black summer truffles were coll...

Of the ten species of European truffle (fungi of the genus Tuber, phylum Ascomycota), some have economic value because of their organoleptic properties (taste and perfume), in particular the black truffle (Tuber melanosporum Vitt.) and the summer and burgundy truffles"2. The black truffle is mainly found in Spain, France and Italy (Fig. la), and it shows variation in several traits, including i...