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Newly Designed Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization Probes Reveal Previously Unknown Endophytic Abilities of Tuber magnatum in Herbaceous Plants

Summary

Researchers discovered that Italian white truffles (Tuber magnatum) can live inside the roots of common herbaceous plants, not just the tree roots where they’re normally found. Using specially designed fluorescent probes that light up truffle DNA, scientists confirmed this endophytic lifestyle for the first time. This finding expands our understanding of how these valuable fungi grow and could help improve truffle cultivation and production.

Background

Tuber magnatum (Italian white truffle) is a valuable ectomycorrhizal fungus primarily known to associate with broadleaf trees. However, its mycorrhizae are rarely observed in the field despite consistent presence of mycelium in soil, suggesting possible alternative symbiotic strategies such as endophytism with non-ectomycorrhizal plants.

Objective

To investigate potential endophytic interactions of T. magnatum with wild plants using PCR and newly designed Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) probes. The study aimed to design species-specific FISH probes for T. magnatum and confirm endophytic colonization in herbaceous plants from T. magnatum production areas.

Results

PCR detected T. magnatum in 21 of 100 plant samples (21%), all from non-ectomycorrhizal plants collected in spring. FISH analysis confirmed extracellular presence of active T. magnatum hyphae inside root systems of Carex pendula. Detection was restricted to spring sampling, correlating with peak mycelial abundance in soil.

Conclusion

This study provides the first FISH evidence of T. magnatum acting as an endophyte in herbaceous plants, specifically C. pendula. The newly designed highly specific T. magnatum FISH probes enable further investigations to confirm endophytic tendencies and understand their influence on T. magnatum life cycle and biology.
  • Published in:Microbial Ecology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1007/s00248-025-02542-z, 40338317
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