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Mycorrhization of Quercus robur L., Quercus cerris L. and Corylus avellana L. seedlings with Tuber macrosporum Vittad.

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Abstract

Tuber macrosporum Vittad. is not a common truffle species, but with remarkable organoleptic qualities and much economic interest. After the addition of truffle spore slurry, 30 seedlings of Quercus robur L., Quercus cerris L. and Corylus avellana L. were grown inside a greenhouse for 11 months before evaluation of the mycorrhizal level. Two different potting mixes were used: a natural soil-based potting mix for Q. robur, Q. cerris and C. avellana and a peat-based potting mix for Q. robur. Quercus robur planted in soil potting mix was the most receptive towards the truffle spore inoculum, with a level of formation of T. macrosporum ectomycorrhizas (ECMs) of approximately 14 %, ranging from a minimum of ∼4 % to a maximum of ∼44 % in different seedlings. No T. macrosporum ECMs developed on Q. cerris (soil potting mix) or on Q. robur (peat potting mix), whereas a low percentage of ECMs was detected on only three C. avellana (soil potting mix) seedlings. The fungus Sphaerosporella brunnea (Alb. & Schwein.) Svrček & Kubička was also detected as a contaminant on almost half the truffle-inoculated seedlings. A new detailed description of the morphological and anatomical characteristics of T. macrosporum ECMs and their DNA-based verification with species-specific markers were also reported.

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Acknowledgments

We are grateful to Virgilio Vezzola for the provision of the T. macrosporum ascocarps used for spore slurry preparation. This article has benefited from a Ph.D. fellowship of the Italian University of Perugia to Gian Maria Niccolò Benucci.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Applied Biology, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06121, Perugia, Italy

    Gian Maria Niccolò Benucci, Leonardo Baciarelli Falini, Mattia Bencivenga & Domizia Donnini

  2. Department of Horticultural Technologies, Szent István University, Páter Károly str. 1., 2100, Gödöllő, Hungary

    Andrea Gógán Csorbai

  3. Blu Press Editions, Via Cavour 65/67, 05100, Terni, Italy

    Gabriella Di Massimo

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  1. Gian Maria Niccolò Benucci
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  2. Andrea Gógán Csorbai
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  3. Leonardo Baciarelli Falini
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  4. Mattia Bencivenga
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  5. Gabriella Di Massimo
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  6. Domizia Donnini
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Correspondence to Gian Maria Niccolò Benucci.

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Benucci, G.M.N., Gógán Csorbai, A., Baciarelli Falini, L. et al. Mycorrhization of Quercus robur L., Quercus cerris L. and Corylus avellana L. seedlings with Tuber macrosporum Vittad.. Mycorrhiza 22, 639–646 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00572-012-0441-3

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