Spatial distribution and ecological variation of re-discovered German truffle habitats

• Published in: Fungal ecology Vol. 5; no. 5; pp. 591 - 599
• Main Authors: Stobbe, Ulrich, Büntgen, Ulf, Sproll, Ludger, Tegel, Willy, Egli, Simon, Fink, Siegfried
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-10-2012
• Subjects: Climate change; Cultivation potential; habitats; host plants; Host vegetation; markets; prices; Site characteristics; Spatial distribution; Truffle habitat; truffles; Tuber; Tuber aestivum; MED, Italy; ANE, Germany; MED, France; Spain; Climate change; Spatial distribution; Tuber aestivum; Truffle habitat; Cultivation potential; Host vegetation; Site characteristics
• ISSN: 1754-5048
• DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2012.02.001

Several truffle species (Tuber spp.) are highly prized by chefs and gourmets with some commanding prices of up to €9.000kg−1 on international markets. Their ecological drivers and geographical patterns, however, often remain a puzzle. Truffle species in Germany are classified as Very Rare or even Extinct on the national Red Lists, while historical literature described their sporadic existence. Here we present evidence of seven Tuber species (T. aestivum, T. brumale, T. excavatum, T. fulgens, T. macrosporum, T. mesentericum, T. rufum), discovered at 121 sites in Southwest Germany. The valuable Burgundy truffle (T. aestivum) occurred at 116 sites. An unexpected abundance of Tuber spp. associated with 13 potential host plants along wide ecological gradients in a region far outside the traditional Mediterranean truffle foci in France, Italy and Spain, is likely indicative of possible responses to climate change, and also suggests ample truffle cultivation potential north of the Alpine arc.
► We conducted a survey on truffle distribution and ecology in Southwest Germany. ► Seven species, all considered rare or even extinct, were discovered on 121 sites. ► The valuable Tuber aestivum was most abundant along wide ecological gradients. ► Climate change has probable effects on truffle ecology and distribution. ► Our results suggest ample truffle cultivation potential in the area.