Rapid molecular typing method for the reliable detection of Asiatic black truffle (Tuber indicum) in commercialized products: fruiting bodies and mycorrhizal seedlings

Although authorized for the French market, the Asiatic black truffle, Tuber indicum, may potentially be sold as I: melanosporum, the "Perigord black t ruffle", due to difficulties in distinguishing between them by morphologica l criteria. A molecular method using a DNA extraction kit and specific prim ers based on the interspecific polymorphism of the internal transcript spac er DNA region has allowed us to amplify I: indicum samples (mycorrhizas, fr esh, dried, and frozen ascocarps) and even to detect as little as 1% of Asi atic truffle in a mixture of ground ascocarps or mycorrhizas containing ir: melanosporum. Our process is specific, sensitive, convenient and quick, so it could be used for the rapid detection of I: indicum in non-cooked food products and commercialized mycorrhizal seedlings to avoid the ecological d amage which would result from its accidental introduction.