Is small mammal mycophagy relevant for truffle cultivation?

Alexander Urban, Marija Kataržytė, Susanne Schickman, Katharina Kräutler, Tony Pla

Abstract


The role of small mammal mycophagy as vectors of hypogeous fungi is well established. However, little is known about dispersal of gourmet truffle species by mammal vectors, or about the potential role of mycophagy in truffle plantations. We hypothesize that small mammal mycophagy contributes to the productivity of truffle plantations by providing inoculum for truffle mycelium establishment and mating. Spread of non-desired competitors of gourmet truffles is a potential adverse effect of small mammal mycophagy.

Keywords


Tuber aestivum; Tuber melanosporum; mutualism; symbiosis; mycorrhiza; ectomycorrhiza

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5586/am.2012.016

Journal ISSN:
  • 2353-074X (online)
  • 0001-625X (print; ceased since 2015)
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Publisher
Polish Botanical Society