Rapid molecular approach for a reliable identification of Tuber spp. ectomycorrhizae

Protocols for isolating and amplifying fungal DNA from ectomycorrhizae, ove rcoming the presence of PCR inhibitors, were established to ensure a fast a nd reliable truffle mycorrhizal identification. By using species-specific I TS primers in multiplex PCR, morphologically very similar Tuber melanosporu m, Tuber indicum and Tuber brumale ectomycorrhizae were identified in a sin gle step of amplification, irrespective of their physiological stage. The m olecular method assures a more accurate and reliable monitoring of nursery- inoculated plants both before and after their in-field planting, than any m orphological or ITS/ RFLP analyses so far performed. It should also prevent frauds, already a problem, and the potential for environmental damage due to the incorrect typing of the allochthonous species T. indicum as European truffle species, when the identity of ectomycorrhizae is based solely on m orphology. (C) 1999 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Publi shed by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.