Plant Diversity ›› 2009, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (S16): 97-99.

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Truffle Cultivation-forestry: A New Strategy to Produce the Burgundy Truffle ( Tuber uncinatum Chatin)

Wehrlen L.1 , Chevalier G.2, Besancon G.3 , Frochot H.1   

  1. 1 I . N. R. A. , Equipe Croissance et Production , Laboratoire d′Etude des Ressources Forêt-Bois, 54 280 Champenoux; 2 I. N. R. A. , U. M. R. Génétique, Diversitéet Ecophysiologie des Céréales, 234 avenue du Brézet, 63 100 Clermont -Ferrand; 3 Office National de Forêts, 70 600 Champlitte
  • Online:2009-12-25 Published:2009-12-25
  • Contact: Chevalier G.

Abstract: The ecology of the Burgundy truffle ( Tuber uncinatum) varies significantly from that of the Perigord truffle (T. melanosporum) . In particular the first one requires a specific level of shading . The time needed to obtain sufficient development of the tree canopy and shading delays the start of truffle production. To hasten this production , one needs to reconstitute as quickly as possible the forestry environment which favours Tuber uncinatum. Here are a few solutions: (1) higher plantation density for seedlings mycorrhized with T. uncinatum . (2) plantation between seedlings mycorrhized with T. uncinatum of endomycorrhizal trees . (3) plantation before that of mycorrhizal
seedlings of tree species which could act as shelters for the first one . ( 4) plantation of mycorrhizal seedlings into clear-cut strips of various widths within established forest. These techniques have already been tried or are currently undergoing testing. The first solution suggested above has shown its efficiency for several years already . The second and fourth solutions are currently being tested . The third solution has given spectacular results.

Key words: Burgundy truffle

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