Intraspecific isozyme variability in Italian populations of the white truffle Tuber magnatum

Eleven enzymes from 139 specimens of thirteen Italian populations of Tuber magnatum,tl were analysed with multilocus horizontal starch gel electrophor esis. The research was carried out to obtain insight into the genetic varia bility of this species across its geographic range. Ail the gene-enzyme sys tems scored appear to be fixed in homozygosity in accordance with what is h itherto known in the genus Tuber; nine seemed monomorphic, whereas two, tha t is MDH-1 and ME-2, showed three alleles each. These results indicated a s elf-reproductive system and the low genetic variability is in agreement wit h the restricted endemism of the white truffle. The distribution of the ele ctrophoretic types is discussed as a basis for further molecular applicatio ns.