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Growth Promotion and Mycorrhizal Colonization of Argan (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels) Inoculated with the Edible Desert Truffle Tirmania nivea (Desf.) Trappe

Summary

This research discovered that a valuable desert truffle can form a beneficial relationship with argan trees, helping them grow better while potentially allowing both truffles and argan fruits to be produced in the same area. This finding has several practical implications: • Could lead to new sustainable farming systems combining truffle and argan oil production • Helps argan trees grow better in harsh desert conditions • Provides a way to restore degraded desert lands while producing valuable food products • Could improve economic opportunities in arid regions through dual cultivation • Demonstrates an eco-friendly approach to agriculture in challenging environments

Background

Desert truffles are hypogeous ascomycetes fungi found in semi-arid and arid areas, particularly around the Mediterranean basin, North-Africa and the Middle East. Species of the genus Tirmania are commercially important edible mushrooms with significant socio-economic value. They form obligatory symbiotic mycorrhizal relationships with host plants, typically Cistaceae species. While desert truffles have been mostly harvested under Helianthemum species, Tirmania ascomata have been found near Argania spinosa trees in Algeria, suggesting a potential symbiotic relationship.

Objective

To assess and characterize the mycorrhizal potential of Tirmania nivea to establish an effective mycorrhizal symbiosis with Argania spinosa, with the aim of involving this tree host species in desert truffle mycorrhizal plant production for cultivating these prized edible fungi. Additionally, to evaluate if this symbiotic interaction could enable double-cropping (desert truffles and Argan fruits) and improve growth and survival of nursery-grown Argan seedlings.

Results

The study demonstrated successful mycorrhizal colonization of A. spinosa by T. nivea, with 74% of root samples showing infection. The fungus formed endomycorrhizae with intracellular coils. Inoculated plants showed significant improvements in growth parameters including height, leaf number, biomass, and physiological measures like chlorophyll content and water status. Mycorrhizal growth response was 94.32% and mycorrhizal growth dependency was 48.53%, indicating strong positive effects of the symbiotic relationship.

Conclusion

The research provides first evidence of successful mycorrhizal association between T. nivea and A. spinosa, with significant benefits for host plant growth and physiology. The compatibility of Argan trees with desert truffles and their adaptation to arid conditions makes them potential hosts for desert truffle cultivation while contributing to afforestation and ecosystem restoration in degraded habitats.
  • Published in:PeerJ,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.7717/peerj.13769
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