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Cultivation and mycelium production from spore suspensions of desert truffles: prospective use as inoculum for host plants in arid zones

Summary

Scientists successfully grew two types of desert truffles from Morocco in the laboratory using simple growth materials. By placing spores in potato dextrose agar or malt extract agar, they were able to produce substantial amounts of fungal threads (mycelium) within a week. This achievement is important because these truffles can now be used to help restore desert soils and grow edible mushrooms in arid regions, providing food and income for communities while fighting desertification.

Background

Desert truffles, particularly Terfezia boudieri and Tirmania nivea, are mycorrhizal fungi endemic to arid and semi-arid Mediterranean regions where they associate with Helianthemum species. These fungi are valued for their nutritional content, bioactive compounds, and cultural significance in Morocco and other regions.

Objective

This study aimed to isolate and cultivate two Moroccan desert truffle species from spore suspensions, evaluate their apical growth rates on different culture media, and assess mycelial biomass production for potential use as ectomycorrhizal inoculum in arid zone reforestation programs.

Results

PDA medium outperformed MEA for apical growth rate, showing 0.05 ± 0.01 cm/h for both species on PDA versus 0.04 ± 0.00 cm/h on MEA. Both species produced substantial wet mycelial biomass on both media, with T. boudieri producing 16.73 ± 2.12 g/100mL on PDA and 22.75 ± 2.12 g/100mL on MEA, and T. nivea producing 17.79 ± 3.73 g/100mL on PDA and 24.43 ± 4.15 g/100mL on MEA.

Conclusion

Both desert truffle species successfully grew on PDA and MEA media, with PDA showing superior apical growth rates while both media supported comparable biomass production. The successful cultivation of mycelial biomass from spore suspensions establishes a foundation for producing ectomycorrhizal inoculum for host plant inoculation in arid zone reforestation and edible mushroom production programs.
  • Published in:BMC Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1186/s12866-025-04436-z, PMID: 41146019
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