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Morphological, Genetic, and Microbiological Characterization of Tuber magnatum Picco Populations from Alto Molise, Central-Southern Italy

Summary

This research studied Italian white truffles from the Molise region, one of Italy’s most important truffle-producing areas. Scientists examined 20 truffles from four different locations, analyzing their physical characteristics, genetic makeup, and the bacteria and fungi living inside them. They discovered a unique genetic pattern found only in Molise truffles and identified complex microbial communities that may help authenticate where truffles came from, helping prevent food fraud and protect truffle producers.

Background

Tuber magnatum Picco (Italian white truffle) is the most commercially valuable truffle species globally. The Molise region in Central-Southern Italy contributes approximately 40% of national truffle production, but research on Molise white truffle populations remains limited despite the region’s significance.

Objective

To characterize four T. magnatum Picco populations from Alto Molise municipalities through morphological, genetic, and microbiological investigations to identify region-specific traits and potential provenance markers for traceability and authentication.

Results

No significant differences in ascocarp weight and maturation degree were found among populations. Peridium thickness showed significant variation overall but no significant pairwise differences. Haplotype III at SCAR A21-inf was uniquely identified in Agnone and Carovilli populations. Complex and heterogeneous bacterial and fungal communities were detected, with Bradyrhizobium as the dominant bacterial genus in most samples.

Conclusion

T. magnatum populations from Molise exhibit consistent traits across the region with a unique genetic haplotype potentially representing a region-distinctive feature. The complex microbial communities identified warrant further investigation to identify specific biomarkers for geographical traceability and authentication of Molise white truffles.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Observational Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/microorganisms13102340, PMID: 41156800
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