truffle species (Tuber aestivum)

The intraspecific genetic variability of Tuber aesf.ivcim was studied using molecular markers at various geographical scales. We used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) coupled with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis to examine the variation of the nuclear and mitochondrial ribosomal DNA (rDNA). RFLPs were found in the nuclear intemal transcribed spacer (ITS) and three alleles were detected in the six populations analysed. No variability was €ound in mitochondrial rDNA. We found, in a very few cases, that truffles sharing different ITS genotypes could be present within a single symbiotic tree. Tuber contains a number of economically important edible species of ectomycorrhizal fungi commonly known as ‘truffles ‘. There is a limited amount of data available conceming the population biology of the Tuber species. In particular, the ecology and population dynamics of truffles have not been studied in detail. The mating system and the mode of spore dispersal are still unknown, although some mammals or insects are suspected to act as potential vectors. This general lack of ecological knowledge may account for the difficulty in artificially inoculating trees with the black truffle, Tube