MOLECULAR MARKERS FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE ECTOMYCORRHIZAL FUNGUS TUBER BORCHII

Five species of white truffle were classified using PCR-based techniqu es. RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) fingerprints and specific pairs of primers were used. A RAPD fragment was constant in Tuber borc hii Vittad. isolates and polymorphic among the other species. Two mole cular markers specific for T. borchii were developed from the sequence of the non-polymorphic RAPD fragment and from regions flanking the 5' -3' ends of a truffle gene. These markers were applied in the identifi cation of T. borchii fruit bodies, mycelia and mycorrhizas, allowing u s to monitor the development of this fungus during its entire life cyc le.