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Potential and limitations of Burgundy truffle cultivation

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Abstract

Burgundy truffles (Tuber aestivum syn. Tuber uncinatum) are the highly prized fruit bodies of subterranean fungi always occurring in ectomycorrhizal symbiosis with host plants. Successful cultivation can be achieved through artificial mycorrhization and outplanting of mostly oaks and hazel on suitable terrain. Here, we review ecological requirements, the influence of environmental factors, and the importance of molecular techniques for a successful cultivation of T. aestivum across Europe. The historical background and current knowledge of T. aestivum cultivation are discussed in light of its socioeconomic relevance.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the WSL internal DITREC project. We thank S. Fink for his help.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Forest Botany and Tree Physiology, University of Freiburg, 79085, Freiburg, Germany

    Ulrich Stobbe & Ludger Sproll

  2. Institute for Forest Growth IWW, University of Freiburg, 79085, Freiburg, Germany

    Willy Tegel

  3. Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, 8903, Birmensdorf, Switzerland

    Simon Egli, Martina Peter & Ulf Büntgen

  4. Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research, 3013, Bern, Switzerland

    Ulf Büntgen

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  1. Ulrich Stobbe
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  2. Simon Egli
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  3. Willy Tegel
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Correspondence to Ulrich Stobbe.

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Stobbe, U., Egli, S., Tegel, W. et al. Potential and limitations of Burgundy truffle cultivation. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 97, 5215–5224 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-013-4956-0

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