Linking Climate Variables with <i>Tuber borchii</i> Sporocarps Production

Abstract

Tuber borchii is an ectomycorrhizal edible truffle, commonly called “bianchetto” (whitish truffle) to distinguish it from the more valuable white truffle found in Italy ( T. magnatum ). Although Tuber borchii also has a fairly high commercial value, information on its ecology, and especially its optimum rainfall and temperature values are lacking. In recent years the issue of climate change has steadily grown in importance, not only in the scientific world, but also politically and in civil society. Over the last century there has been a general increase in the temperature in Italy of about 1°C. Several studies have underlined how climatic changes influence the optimum growth and distribution of various species of truffle. This contribution aims to illustrate the fluctuation of T. borchii sporocarps production in different timescales and show how these alterations are driven by rainfall and temperature factors. The research, carried out in five different natural T. borchii production areas, reveals that the production of truffles is significantly higher after autumn months characterized by abundant rainfall and cold temperatures.