Fine‐scale spatial genetic structure of the black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) investigated with neutral microsatellites and functional mating type genes. Issue 1 (10th April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Murat, Claude; Rubini, Andrea; Riccioni, Claudia; De, Herminia; Akroume, Emila; Belfiori, Beatrice; Guaragno, Marco; Le, François; Robin, Christophe; Halkett, Fabien; Martin, Francis; Paolocci, Francesco
• Is Part Of: New phytologist. Volume 199:Issue 1(2013)
• Page Start: 176
• Page End: 187
• Publication Date: 2013-04-10
• Subjects: Botany -- Periodicals; 580
• DOI: 10.1111/nph.12264
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0028-646X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en" id="nph12264-abs-0001"> <title>Summary</title> <p> <list id="nph12264-list-0001" list-type="bullet"> <list-item> <p>The genetic structure of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal populations results from both vegetative and sexual propagation. In this study, we have analysed the spatial genetic structure of <italic>Tuber melanosporum</italic> populations, a heterothallic ascomycete that produces edible fruit bodies.</p> </list-item> <list-item> <p>Ectomycorrhizas from oaks and hazels from two orchards were mapped and genotyped using simple sequence repeat markers and the mating type locus. The distribution of the two <italic>T. melanosporum</italic> mating types was also monitored in the soil. In one orchard, the genetic profiles of the ascocarps were compared with those of the underlying mycorrhizas.</p> </list-item> <list-item> <p>A pronounced spatial genetic structure was found. The maximum genet sizes were 2.35 and 4.70 m in the two orchards, with most manifesting a size < 1 m. Few genets persisted throughout two seasons. A nonrandom distribution pattern of the <italic>T. melanosporum</italic> was observed, resulting in field patches colonized by genets that shared the same mating types.</p> </list-item> <list-item> <p>Our findings suggest that competition occurs between genets and provide basic information on <italic>T. melanosporum</italic> propagation patterns that are relevant for the management of productive truffle orchards.</p> </list-item> </list> </p> </abstract>