Diversity and population structure of ectomycorrhizal fungi in forest habitats of summer truffle (Tuber aestivum Vittad)

Cultivation of the summer truffle, Tuber aestivum Vittad., has become as a new agricultural activity that for rural economies is often considerably more beneficial than conventional agriculture and also promotes reforestation, as well as land use sustainability. Considering examples from Italy, Hungary, Spain and France, truffle cultivation induces the economic and social development of small and rural communities. Because there is no tradition of creating truffle gardens in Iran, knowledge of environmental factors regulating the formation of T. aestivum fruiting bodies is limited. Since the establishment of truffle plantations in the world, several studies have been conducted to improve their productivity and stability. Success in the continuation of truffle plantations depends clearly on the mycorrhizal status of the host trees over the years, from inoculated seedlings to truffle producing trees. Therefore, monitoring the status of ectomycorrhizal fungi in the natural habitats of truffles and increasing knowledge about ectomycorrhizal communities of T. aestivum host species is crucial to ensure the successful production of summer truffles in truffle orchards. In this study, the presence of T. aestivum ectomycorrhizae on roots of oak (Quercus castaneifolia) and its abundance in natural habitats of truffle fungi in three selected sites in Golestan province was investigated and the diversity and structure of other ectomycorrhizal fungi were evaluated. In selecting the studied sites, differences in altitude, dominant geographical direction and plant species in the regions were considered. The results showed that although the species composition was up to 70% similar between sites, but the number of fungal species, diversity and species richness of fungi were different among sites with different host plants and the site with only oak.