Research Keyword: ectomycorrhiza

Effect of Selected Truffle-Associated Bacteria and Fungi on the Mycorrhization of Quercus ilex Seedlings with Tuber melanosporum

Black truffles are prized delicacies that are cultivated by inoculating seedlings with truffle fungus in specialized nurseries. This research tested whether beneficial bacteria and fungi found naturally in truffles could improve the inoculation success in oak seedling nurseries. One bacterial strain, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, significantly improved how well truffles colonized the seedling roots, suggesting that carefully selected microbial co-inoculants could enhance truffle farm productivity.

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

Desert truffles are valuable edible fungi that grow in arid regions and have health benefits. This research successfully grew two desert truffle species (Terfezia boudieri and Tirmania nivea) in laboratory conditions using standard culture media. The study found that potato dextrose agar was the best medium for rapid growth, while both media supported good mycelial development. This breakthrough could enable large-scale production of truffle inoculum for reforestation programs in Morocco’s degraded desert areas.

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Phytohormones and volatile organic compounds, like geosmin, in the ectomycorrhiza of Tricholoma vaccinum and Norway spruce (Picea abies)

This research examines how a fungus (Tricholoma vaccinum) and spruce tree communicate through chemical signals. The fungus produces unique compounds including geosmin (the earthy smell of soil after rain), limonene (lemon scent), and plant hormones. These chemicals help the fungus and tree establish their beneficial partnership by affecting how the fungus grows and branches around the tree roots. The findings show that these chemical signals are crucial for successful formation of the mycorrhizal relationship.

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

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.

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