6533b7d6fe1ef96bd12661ee

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Genetic and aromatic diversity of the Burgundy truffle

subject

description

Truffles are ectomycorrhizal Ascomycota fungi belonging to the Tuberaceae family and more specifically to the Tuber genus. More than thirty Tuber species are currently described in Europe. In this thesis, we specifically focused on the Tuber aestivum-uncinatum model. This truffle is commonly called "Burgundy Truffle" and has a gastronomic and cultural interest.The first part of this thesis focused on the taxonomic status of the Burgundy truffle (Tuber uncinatum). For this, we used a multi-marker approach combining several genetic markers commonly used at the interspecific scale. Our analyses showed that the two taxa, Tuber aestivum (summer truffle) and Tuber uncinatum are conspecific.In the second part, we addressed the genetic diversity of Tuber aestivum. To do this, we firstly developed specific microsatellite markers by "direct shotgun pyrosequencing". This method has allowed the development of 15 polymorphic microsatellite markers. Then, we used those markers to genotype individuals from different European locations. We have identified four differentiated subpopulations that not correspond, for the majority, to a geographical distribution. However, one cluster differs from the others by its location (south of France) and its genetic characteristics (presence of rare alleles). These preliminary results may indicate the existence of a particular ecotype attached to a southern ecology: Tuber aestivum sensu stricto.We were then interested, in the third part of this thesis, to the aromatic diversity of Tuber aestivum at a local scale. Our results highlight the existence of a moderate differentiation between individuals from a natural truffle orchard and individuals from planted orchard. From one season to another, genotypic stability was observed. Only C8 volatile organic compounds seem to be related to the genotypes.In the last part, we analyzed harvesting data, over more than thirty years, from an hazelnut truffle orchard initially inoculated by Tuber melanosporum. Through simple statistical analyzes, we noted changes in both quantity and weight of truffles harvested according to the seasons and hazelnut trees. It appears that Tuber aestivum rapidly replaced Tuber melanosporum (in three years). The disappearance of Tuber melanosporum can probably be explained by the canopy closure; Tuber melanosporum not appreciating excessive shading.