Identification of white truffle species using RAPD markers

Morphologically very similar species of white truffle were analyzed by the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique. Species-specific RAPD fragments were selected and pairs of primers were designed on their sequences. Sequence-characterized amplified regions were developed and applied to identify these species throughout their entire life cycle: fruit body, mycelium, ectomycorrhiza. This procedure provides an unambiguous and rapid tool for typing species whose morphology is very similar.