1,721,206 research outputs found
New insights on post-fire morels (Morchella spp.) in Italy
No full textSnabl, Martin, Guidori, Urbano, Gianchino, Carmelo, Leonardi, Marco, Zambonelli, Alessandra, Iotti, Mirco (2023): New insights on post-fire morels (Morchella spp.) in Italy. Phytotaxa 599 (5): 280-290, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.599.5.2, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.599.5.
Tuber melosporum smooth spores: an anomalous feature in the genus Tuber
No full textThis paper adds new insights on ecology and micromorphology of Tuber melosporum, a rare species with smooth spores. Eight T. melosporum ascomata collected in a 50 y old Pinus halepensis and Quercus ilex plantation in Sardinia, Italy, represent the first recovery of this species outside Spain. In comparison to the T. melosporum holotype, Italian specimens revealed differences in the number of spores in asci and spore shape. We propose an emended description of Tuber to include species without spore ornamentation
Chinese Tuber aestivum sensu lato in Europe
No full textTwo specimens of Tuber aestivum sensu lato from China were found between T. aestivum ascomata for sale in Italy. The morphological features of these ascomata were intermediate between those of T. aestivum and Tuber mesentericum. The spores were roundish and smaller than those of T. mesentericum and T. aestivum. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the Chinese specimens are placed in a separate clade to T. aestivum and T. mesentericum. This, together with the supporting morphological differences, strongly suggests that the two Chinese truffles are a separate taxon
Ecological and genetic advances in the cultivation of Tuber Spp
No full textRecent advances on the ecology and genetics of true truffles (Tuber spp.) are reported and their impact on truffle cultivation is discussed. New insights have been gained on truffle soil ecology and interrelationships of truffles with associated microorganisms in the soil. For instance, some bacteria seem to play a key role in truffle fruiting body formation and maturation. However, the most important advance in truffle genetics over the past 20 years has been the sequencing of the Tuber melanosporum genome and the discovery that truffles, like other Pezizalean fungi, are heterothallic. This finding has had a significant impact on research on truffles and many studies have been devoted to better understanding the distribution of the mating types in soil in natural and cultivated truffià ̈res. The characterization of the mating type idiomorphs of several Tuber species has led to the possibility of selecting mycelial strains for truffle cultivation in particular sites
Tuber melosporum smooth spores: An anomalous feature in the genus Tuber
No full textThis paper adds new insights on ecology and micromorphology of Tuber melosporum, a rare species with smooth spores. Eight T. melosporum ascomata collected in a 50 y old Pinus halepensis and Quercus ilex plantation in Sardinia, Italy, represent the first recovery of this species outside Spain. In comparison to the T. melosporum holotype, Italian specimens revealed differences in the number of spores in asci and spore shape. We propose an emended description of Tuber to include species without spore ornamentation.This paper adds new insights on ecology and micromorphology of Tuber melosporum, a rare species with smooth spores. Eight T. melosporum ascomata collected in a 50 y old Pinus halepensis and Quercus ilex plantation in Sardinia, Italy, represent the first recovery of this species outside Spain. In comparison to the T. melosporum holotype, Italian specimens revealed differences in the number of spores in asci and spore shape. We propose an emended description of Tuber to include species without spore ornamentation
What makes a good truffle infected tree?
No full textModern truffle cultivation is based on planting Tuber infected plants in suitable sites. The first step is the production of truffle infected plants in greenhouses, generally using spore inoculation techniques. Other less common methods include the inoculating plants with pure cultures and the mother plant techniques. Regardless of the inoculation technique used, it is advisable to check the geographic origin of the inoculum, and selecting the most suitable one for the climatic conditions of the site where the plants are to be planted. It is also important to verify the quality of the inoculum before inoculating the plants. In particular, when using spore inoculation techniques, the ascomata used for making the spore suspension should undergo morphological observation and molecular testing to verify the absence of less valuable Tuber species. It is also advisable to assess the abundance of mature spores and their vitality particularly when the inoculum is not produced from fresh truffle. In contrast when mycelial inoculation or mother plant techniques is used it is important to ensure that the plants are carrying two compatible mating types and that the mother plants are free of contamination with other ectomycorrhizal fungi
Effect of summer soil moisture and temperature on the vertical distribution of Tuber magnatum mycelium in soil
Full text linkTuber magnatum, the Italian white truffle, is the world’s most valuable truffle. Despite the economic importance, its biology and ecology are largely unexplored. This gap of knowledge makes difficult to find reliable methods for its cultivation and to protect and increase the production of the natural productive areas. In this study, the vertical distribution of T. magnatum mycelium in productive soil patches was evaluated using a quantitative PCR (qPCR) approach. Data were then used to develop for the first time a simulation model to predict the mycelial dynamics of T. magnatum at varying soil temperatures and moisture. T. magnatum mycelium was abundant up to 30-cm depth, while the model determined the optimal temperature (20 °C) and water potential (~ 0 kPa) for growth of T. magnatum mycelium in soil. Such information could be useful to establish proper irrigation scheduling and to enhance the management of T. magnatum sites, for increasing mycelial growth and fruiting body production
Characterization of Tuber borchii and Arbutus unedo mycorrhizas
No full textFor the first time, arbutoid mycorrhizas established between Tuber borchii and Arbutus unedo were described. Analyzed mycorrhizas were from one T. borchii natural truffle mground, dominated by Pinus pinea, as well as synthesized in greenhouse conditions. A. unedo mycorrhizas presented some typical characteristics of ectomycorrhizas of T. borchii. However, as in arbutoid mycorrhizas, ramification was cruciform and intracellular colonization in epidermal cells was present. The ability of T. borchii to form ectomycorrhizas with A. unedo opens up the possibility to also use this fruit plant for truffle cultivation. This represents an important economic opportunity in Mediterranean areas by combining both the
cultivation of precious truffles and the production of edible fruits which are used fresh or in food delicacies
Viability and infectivity of Tuber borchii after cryopreservation
No full textBACKGROUND: Truffles (Tuber spp.) are the most precious ectomycorrhizal edible mushrooms whose biodiversity is seriously endangered. OBJECTIVE: To develop a protocol for cryopreservation of Tuber spp. mycelia using T. borchii as a model species, verifying whether conservation in liquid nitrogen may affect viability, growth rate, hyphal morphology and infectivity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cryopreservation was performed using sorbitol, sucrose and DMSO as cryoprotectants. The morphological parameters analyzed were: hyphal diameter, septal distance and hyphal growth unit. Cryopreserved mycelium infectivity was assessed by inoculating Quercus robur seedlings. RESULTS: In T. borchii cryopreserved mycelium, the lag-phase lasted for 6-42 days but no differences in growth curve evolution, growth rate and hyphal morphology were observed except for hyphal growth unit. No differences in mycorrhizal colonization were observed between the seedlings inoculated with non-cryopreserved and cryopreserved mycelium. CONCLUSION: The established protocol is suitable for long-term conservation of Tuber mycelium and opens up the possibility of creating a Tuber spp. germplasm bank to preserve truffle diversity
Genetic Resources and Mycelial Characteristics of Several Medicinal Polypore Mushrooms (Polyporales, Basidiomycetes)
No full textMycelial characteristics of dikaryotic collections of 6 medicinal polypore mushrooms (Fomes fomentarius, Fomitopsis pinicola, Ganoderma adspersum, G. applanatum, G. lucidum, and G. resinaceum) with different geographical origins (Armenia, China, France, Iran, Italy, and Russia) were screened. A total of 42 polypore collections were molecularly identified by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer region of the ribosomal RNA genes' cluster, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed. Morphological characteristics of 37 cultures were observed on agar media (malt extract agar, potato dextrose agar) at different temperatures (25, 30, 35, and 38°C) at a pH of 6.0. Colony morphology, pigmentation of mycelium and agar, mycelial growth rate, in vitro teleomorph formation, and other macromorphological characteristics were thoroughly described and illustrated. Micromorphological features of mycelia, such as different hyphal structures, clamp cells, presence and type of asexual sporulation, chlamydospores, and others were observed. The taxonomic significance of the mycelial characteristics revealed was estimated. The obtained results will assist further biotechnological cultivation of medicinal polypore mushrooms to develop novel health care biotechnological products
- …
