Competition between Tuber melanosporum and other ectomycorrhizal fungi under two irrigation regimes

A glasshouse experiment was conducted to simulate the competition between artificially introduced Tuber melanosporum (Vitt.) and other symbionts, occurring on outplanted truffle-producing trees. Hazel (Corylus avellana L.) seedlings, previously inoculated with Tuber melanosporum, were rapidly infected with the competing truffle Tuber brumale (Vitt.), added to the soil as spores. Coexistence of both species on the root system was observed. Tuber melanosporum survived and continued to spread. Tuber brumale, which is naturally present in many truffle-orchard soils, protects the roots from other ectomycorrhizal symbionts. Although high water content is unfavourable for the development of T. melanosporum in the absence of other Tube species, Tuber brumale stimulates the development of T. melanosporum under these conditions.