Mycorrhization of Quercus acutissima with Tuber borchii and Tuber melanosporum

Abstract

Truffles are ectomycorrhizal fungi that belong to the genus Tuber. They exhibit symbiotic relationships, particularly with oak (Quercus spp.) and hazel (Corylus spp.) trees. We performed an inoculation using a spore suspension to synthesize mycorrhizae between European truffles, Tuber borchii and Tuber melanosporum, and an indigenous oak species, Quercus acutissima. This resulted in the formation of mycorrhizae within 2 months after inoculation. Despite having the same host plant, differences in features were observed between Tuber species, including color and mantle type. These results indicate that Q. acutissima is a suitable host plant for truffle cultivation in Korea and provide a better understanding of the mycorrhization of T. borchii and T. melanosporum.

Keywords

• ectomycorrhiza
• quercus acutissima
• symbiosis
• tuber borchii
• tuber melanosporum