Abstract
Truffles are hypogeous ascomycetes, belonging to the Tuber genus (true truffles) that form ectomycorrhizal symbiosis with the roots of different plant species. The Italian white truffle (Tuber magnatum Pico) is the world's most expensive mushroom. Despite its economic value, it has yet to be successfully cultivated, due to knowledge gaps in its biology and ecology. The aim of the project is to highlight T. magnatum relationships with soil microbiome and plants. To reach these objectives, four work packages (WP) will be considered: WP1 will investigate the interaction between T.magnatum and soil microorganisms in vitro; WP2, will study the interaction between T. magnatum and soil microorganisms and viruses in the field; WP3 will investigate the interactions between T. magnatum and host/non-host plants and WP4 is dedicated to project management and dissemination. Researches will be carried out in lab, greenhouse and field. Taking advantage of the T. magnatum genome sequencing and of studies on other Tuber species carried out by the research groups involved in this project, transcriptomic studies will be carried out on T. magnatum pure cultures, in association with mycelium growth-promoting bacteria and plant roots. The role of microbial community towards T. magnatum development will be studied through Illumina MiSeq technology in productive and not productive patches of a truffle ground, as well as its answer towards the inoculum of bacteria promoting mycelium growth of T. magnatum. Viruses will be also considered as component of the complex soil microbiota for the first time. Lastly, the possible endophytism of T. magnatum with ectomycorrhizal host plants and herbaceous plants will be investigated by fluorescent in situ hybridization. The results of this project aim to expand knowledge on T. magnatum soil ecology, laying the foundation for its cultivation. They will also indicate the most suitable techniques for the management and conservation of natural truffle grounds. Moreover, this study will give new insights on how to improve the mycorrhization techniques with T. magnatum and how to evaluate the quality of mycorrhized plants. Besides the commercial value of T. magnatum ascomata, the presence of areas intended for truffle production is now more important than ever for an eco-friendly management of agroforestry environments and it can represent a promising socio-economic opportunity for marginal lands. The PI of the project has a long experience in coordinating truffle projects and the other three research groups involved in this project have been collaborating in truffle research for more than 20 years.
Project details
Unibo Team Leader: Alessandra Zambonelli
Unibo involved Department/s:
Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agro-Alimentari
Coordinator:
Università Telematica San Raffaele Roma(Italy)
Total Unibo Contribution: Euro (EUR) 56.062,00
Project Duration in months: 24
Start Date:
12/10/2023
End Date:
28/02/2026
