Influence of the late harvest period on reproductive spore quality of Burgundy truffles (Tuber aestivum Vittad.)

Abstract

DOI: 10.15414/afz.2014.17.01.11-17

Received 24. January 2014 ǀ Accepted 27. February 2014 ǀ Available online 8. April 2014

The work presents new findings about the influence of the late harvest period on reproductive spore quality of Burgundy truffles (Tuber aestivum Vittad.) assessed by microscopic method and by inoculation experiments with hornbeam Carpinus betulus L. seedlings. Carpophore samples from one locality were collected in two terms in each month from November to January. Reproductive quality of spores was assessed by microscopic method. The presence of mycorrhiza on the roots was assessed by morphometric analysis. Quality of spores in winter decreased rapidly. Percentage of plants with Tuber aestivum mycorrhiza in the tested variants ranged from 19.72% (early November) to 2.98% (end of January). In variants with fruiting bodies collected in November observed level mycorrhized roots were statistically highly significant different from variants inoculated by carpophores from January and December. Lower percentage of Tuber aestivum mycorrhiza on root system of hornbeam seedlings in late periods of carpophores collection significantly influenced length of root system, while the length of stems was not statistically significant.

Keywords: Burgundy truffle, hornbeam, reproduction quality, mycorrhization