Effect of summer soil moisture and temperature on the vertical distribution of Tuber magnatum mycelium in soil

Tuber magnatum, the Italian white truffle, is the world’s most valuable truffle. Despite the economic importance, its biology and ecology are largely unexplored. This gap of knowledge makes difficult to find reliable methods for its cultivation and to protect and increase the production of the natural productive areas. In this study, the vertical distribution of T. magnatum mycelium in productive soil patches was evaluated using a quantitative PCR (qPCR) approach. Data were then used to develop for the first time a simulation model to predict the mycelial dynamics of T. magnatum at varying soil temperatures and moisture. T. magnatum mycelium was abundant up to 30-cm depth, while the model determined the optimal temperature (20 °C) and water potential (~ 0 kPa) for growth of T. magnatum mycelium in soil. Such information could be useful to establish proper irrigation scheduling and to enhance the management of T. magnatum sites, for increasing mycelial growth and fruiting body production.