Occurrence of black truffles in Poland MARIA ŁAWRYNOWICZ, TOMASZ KRZYSZCZYK and MARCIN FAŁDZIŃSKI Department of Mycology, University of Łódź Banacha 12/16, PL-90-237 Łódź, miklaw@biol.uni.lodz.pl Ławrynowicz M., Krzyszczyk T., Fałdziński M.: Occurrence of black truffles in Poland. Acta Mycol. 43 (2): 143–151, 2008. Tuber aestivum Vittad., T. mesentericum Vittad. and T. bellonae Quél. have been distinguished in recent collections of hypogeous fungi in Poland. Up till now only T. mesentericum has herbarial documentation. T. aestivum was confirmed to occur in Poland. Seven localities are documented with exiccates, but it is considered as a complex species. Some specimens have features of T. uncinatum Chat. not distinctively separated from these of T. aestivumVittad., therefore are treated as its form. The studies based on rich material support the concept of Tuber bellonae as a separate species close to T. mesentericum. Key words: Tuber, taxonomy, ecology, distribution INTRODUCTION Hypogeous fungi and especially truffles have been of increasing interest in Po- land in the recent years. The old data on the occurrence of truffles in Poland were set together by Lubelska (1953). She mentions 8 species of truffles, among them Tuber aestivum from 6 localities on the base of papers by: Caspary (1886), Błoński (1888), and Alexandrowicz & Błoński (1894). It was the only black truffle indicated; this taxon overlapped also T. mesentericum, but no herbarium material is now available to analyse this question. After about hundred years T. mesentericum was discovered on Częstochowa Upland in two localities (Ławrynowicz 1988, 1990, 1999) in course of systematical searching of hypogeous fungi. These fungi produce fruit bodies only in some places called hypogeous oasas or nests, where ecological conditions are suitable. Similarly, only in some years the climatic conditions unable formation of fruit bodies. The year 2007 was exceptional. The authors of this paper found independently black truffles in 13 sites. The analysis of the material permits to identify 4 taxons: Tuber aestivum, T. aestivum forma unci- natum, T. mesentericum, and T. bellonae; the latter as a new species for Poland. ACTA MYCOLOGICA Vol. 43 (2): 143–151 2008 144 M. Ławrynowicz et al. MATERIAL AND METHODS The investigations were taken out at the calcareous hilly area, not exceeding 300 m a.s.l. On the base of type of ecosystem, density of vegetation cover, type of soil and features known as characteristic for truffle sites, the environment places for excava- tions were chosen. Numerous collections of different hypogeous species were made during several years of field searching, but in 2007, starting from the early summer, the fruit bodies of black truffles were to be found. Also in course of monitoring two above mentioned sites of Tuber mesentericum two new localities of T. aestivum were discovered in July 2007. Altogether more than two hundred of fruit bodies were observed by two of us (TK and MF). In some cases a dog was helping to detect the ripe carpophores. Specimens were described immediately after taking out from the soil and in most cases documented at the sites concerned. Fruit bodies were analysed taxonomically using the traditional procedure. The micromorphological and anatomical features of peridium cells, asci and ascospores were examined under Eclypse 600 E-microscope (Nikon) (200x, 400x, 1000x). Ma- terials were identified according to Montecchi and Sarasini (2000), Riousset et al. (2001) and some other authors indicated in the “References”. The localities are indicated on three maps in the ATPOL system. Abbreviations of collectors names: TK – Tomasz Krzyszczyk, MF – Marcin Fałdziński, MŁ – Mar- ia Ławrynowicz. Other explanations for ATPOL system used for hypogeous fungi are according to Ławrynowicz (1989). Dried specimens were deposited in the Herbarium Universitatis Lodziensis (LOD). KEY TO SPECIES Fruit body black, purple- or black-brown, with warty surface; spores reticulate 1. Fruit body black becoming gray with cavity or depressions; warts small, obtuse ................................................................................................................... 2 1*. Fruit body black becoming brown; warts large, acute .................................... 3 2. Fruit body with distinct cavity; spores ellipsoid ..................... T. mesentericum 2*. Fruit body with depressions; spores round ...................................... T. bellonae 3. Gleba white becoming light yellow; spores with incomplete mesh reticulation up to 2 μm high .................................................................................. T. aestivum 3*. Gleba yellowish becoming brown; spores with reticulum up to 4 μm high ....................................................................................T.aestivum forma uncinatum Occurrence of black truffles 145 DESCRIPTIONS OF THE SPECIES Tuber aestivum Vittadini 1831 Fruit bodies globose or subglobose 2-5 cm in diam.; black, becoming brown when dried. Peridium strongly warty with pyramidal, irregularly polygonal warts 4-7 mm wide, truncate or depressed on top; with radial ridges and fine transversal striae. Gleba fleshy, compact, at first white becoming light brown to hazel brown, at matu- rity marbled with white, thin veins. Odour pleasant. Asci 60-100 × 55-75 μm globose or pyriform, with short stalks, 2-6 spored. Spores 20-45 × 15-35 μm at first hyaline becoming yellow to yellowish brown; ornamented by irregular reticulum with un- complete alveolae, up to 2 μm high; 3-4 along the spore. RemaRks. T. aestivum is a heterogenous species. Montecchi and Sarasini (2000) mention the results of studies indicating 18 various clones or breeds of this spe- cies but none of them reached the species level. The Polish collections of T. aes- tivum present great variability, as well. The study has just started. The collections from three localities contain fruit bodies of slightly different character, what allow considering them to be close to Tuber uncinatum Chat. according to Riousset et al. (2001). ecology. The fruit bodies were found in association with Fagus sylvatica, Quercus robur, Q. petraea and variety of other deciduous trees on calcareous soil. The collec- tions come from three uplands, mostly from the lower parts of the hills. The species was found in places of heavy human impact at the forest paths and tourist trails, in Fig. 1 146 M. Ławrynowicz et al. the vicinity of houses or in the area facing a new arrangement of roads. It means that the occurrence of T. aestivum is seriously endangered (Pl. I 1, 3). DistRibution. T. aestivum is considered to be the most widespread species among edible truffles in Europe, occurring from Mediterranean zone to South Scandinavia (Veden et al. 2001). Lubelska (1954) gives six localities of the species in Poland mainly on the basis of popular literature. Recent collections of T. aestivum are indi- cated in the Figure 1. localities DE 59 – Wy ż y n a Pr z e d b o r s k a , Przedborski Landscape Park, Dobromierz by Przedbórz, Fagus sylvatica, Aug. 2007, leg. TK, LOD 22006. DE 84 – Wy ż y n a K r a k o w s k o - C z ę s t o c h o w s k a , Jurajski Landscape Park, Mstów, Jul. 2007, Quercus petraea, Fagus sylvatica, leg. MŁ, LOD 22014. Res. Zielona Góra, Fagus sylvatica, Carpinus betulus, Quercus robur, Jul. 2007, leg MŁ, LOD 22015. DE 95 – Wy ż y n a K r a k o w s k o - C z ę s t o c h o w s k a , Jurajski Landscape Park, Lud-Lud- winów by Złoty Potok, Fagus sylvatica, Jul. 2008, leg. TK, LOD 22008. DF 49 – Wy ż y n a K r a k o w s k o - C z ę s t o c h o w s k a , Złożeniec by Smoleń, Fagus sylvatica, Quercus petraea, Carpinus betulus, Jul. 2007, leg. TK, LOD 22010. EE 94 – Wy ż y n a K i e l e c k o - S a n d o m i e r s k a , Dębina by Lisów, Carpinus betulus, Quercus petraea, Pinus sylvestris, Sept., Nov. 2007, leg. MF, LOD 22002. Tuber aestivum Vittad. forma uncinatum (Chatin) Montecchi et Borelli 1990 = T. uncinatum Chatin 1887. Fruit bodies similar to those of T. aestivum Vittad. The differences are in smaller warts on the surface, darker colour of gleba, more intensive odour, spores orna- mented with more distinct reticulum with meshes up to 4 μm high, curved in the upper part. The last feature was observed only in some spores. On the basis of three collections we concluded that T. aestivum forma uncinatum is a late autumn form of T. aestivum adapted to more humid sites (Pl. I 2, 4, 5, 6). RemaRks. Recent collections of T. aestivum present a great taxonomical varia- bility of this species. The most distinctly separated group is that showing the features of T. aestivum forma uncinatum. Continuation of collecting and taxonomical studies may bring additional arguments to verify our point of view in this question. ecology. In humus-clay soil in calcareous area. Under Carpinus betulus, Acer pseudoplatanus, Quercus petrea, Corylus avellana and other trees. On hills up to 290 m a.s.l., but usually in the lower parts; autumn and winter mounts; in great quanti- ties: more than a hundred of carpophores were collected in three localities. DistRibution. The localities are indicated in Figure 1. The occurrence is endan- gered because of forest management practices and penetration by people from ad- jacent villages. The whole area should be protected. localities EE 94 – Wy ż y n a K i e l e c k o - S a n d o m i e r s k a , Piotrkowice, Acer pseudoplata- nus, Quercus petraea, Carpinus betulus, Betula pendula, Dec. 2007, leg. MF, LOD 22004. Załatwie by Lisów, Carpinus betulus, Jan. 2008, leg. MF, LOD 22003. Małolipie by Skrzeczyce, Carpinus betulus, Prunus spinosa, Rosa canina. Jan. 2008, leg. MF, LOD 22005. Occurrence of black truffles 147 Tuber mesentericum Vittadini 1831 = Tuber bituminatum Berkeley et Broom 1851. Fruit bodies globose or subglobose with basal or side cavity 1-5 cm diam., firm, black or blackish blue when fresh, becoming blackish gray when dried. Peridium warted with rather small, obtuse warts 3-4 mm across. Gleba white when fresh be- coming blue gray, yellowish to light brown when dried, marbled with whitish veins. Odour distinct, pleasant when not too much concentrated. Asci 60-100 × 55-80 μm, broadly ellipsoid, sometimes subglobose, with a short stalk, 1-5 spored. Ascospores 27-53 × 20-35 μm, ellipsoid or subglobose, hyaline when young, yellowish brown at maturity, ornamented with a coarse reticulum 3-5 μm high, usually 3-5 across the width of spore (Pl. II 3, 4). RemaRks. Tuber mesentericum has been regarded as synonym of T. aestivum by several authors (e.g. Pegler et al. 1993), but the others confirmed it as separate spe- cies (Knapp 1951; Ceruti 1960; Montecchi, Sarasini 2000; Riousset et al. 2001; Kers 2003). T. mesentericum was distinguished from T. aestivum by having smaller fruit bod- ies, ornamented with smaller warts, obtuse or depressed at the apex, black colour of surface with black-blue reflex becoming black gray when dried, having cavity at the base or on side of carpophores. The spores of T. mesentericum are larger and ornamented with more complete reticulum than these of T. aestivum. Examination of rich materials collected by the authors supports the separation of these two spe- cies (Pl. II 2). Fig. 2 148 M. Ławrynowicz et al. ecology. In humus-sandy soil, clay mixed with small calcareous stones. Under Fagus sylvatica, Carpinus betulus, Corylus avellana, Quercus robur, Q. petraea. T. me- sentericum was found in different sites as T. aestivum. Even when the same locality has been stated for both species, they do not grow together but in different sites separated by distance of at least 50 m. DistRibution. This is the only species of black truffles monitored in two localities since 1981 and 1997, respectively. Together with recent collections, it is known from five localities indicated in Figure 2. Exact distribution of the species in Europe is difficult to determine because T. mesentericum and T. aestivum had been treated as one taxon for a long time. localities DE 84 – Wy ż y n a K r a k o w s k o - C z ę s t o c h o w s k a , Jurajski Landscape Park, Res. Zielona Góra (Ławrynowicz 1988, 1990), Jul.2007,leg. MŁ, LOD 22017 Wancerzów (Ławrynowicz 1999), Jul. 2007, leg. MŁ, LOD 22009. DF 37 − Wy ż y n a K r a k o w s k o - C z ę s t o c h o w s k a , Jurajski Landscape Park, Hutki-Kanki by Olkusz, Jul. 2007, leg. TK, LOD 22017. EE 72 – Wy ż y n a K i e l e c k o - S a n d o m i e r s k a , Res. Milechowy, Carpinus betu�betu- lus, Corylus avellana, Quercus petraea, Pinus sylvestris, Cornus sp., Sept. 2007, leg. MF, LOD 22016. Tuber bellonae Quélet 1887 = Tuber bituminatum Berkeley et Broome var. sphaerosporum Ferry de la Bellone. Fruit bodies irregularly globose, 3-5 cm in diam., with depressions or small cav- ity; black on surface. Peridium covered with pyramidal, obtuse warts. Gleba light, becoming yellowish brown. Odour intensive, not very pleasant when concentrated. Asci ovoid 77-115 × 77-95 μm with 1-6 spores. Spores globose or subglobose, 22.5- 55 μm in diam.; ornamented with fine reticulum 5-7 μm high; alveoli 4-6 angled, 5-10 μm long (Pl. II 5, 6). RemaRks. According to some authors (eg. Pacioni & Fantini 1997; Riousset et al. 2001) T. bellonae posesses the features intermediate between T. mesentericum and T. aestivum forma uncinatum. ecology. In humus-clay or clay soils mixed with small calcareous stones, usually covered with thin litter layer. Tuber bellonae has been found under Quercus petraea, Corylus avellana and Fagus sylvatica on calcareous soils (Pl. II 1). DistRibution. As the species has not been distinguished as a separate taxon by many authors for a long time, its real distribution is impossible to determine. The collections comes from three localities in Poland indicated in the Figure 3. localities DE 59 – Wy ż y n a Pr z e d b o r s k a , Przedborski Landscape Park, Dobromierz by Przedbórz, Fagus sylvatica, Aug. 2007; leg. TK, LOD 22011. DE 95 – Wy ż y n a K r a k o w s k o - C z ę s t o c h o w s k a , Jurajski Landscape Park, Ludwinów on Złoty Potok, Fagus sylvatica, Jul. 2008, leg. TK, LOD 22007. EE 82 – Wy ż y n a K i e l e c k o - S a n d o m i e r s k a , Grzywy Korzeczkowskie, Quer- cus petraea, Corylus avellana, Aug., Nov. 2007, leg. MF, LOD 22001. Occurrence of black truffles 149 GENERAL REMARKS AND CONCLUSIONS Increasing interest in hypogeous fungi in Poland results in discovering of sev-ing interest in hypogeous fungi in Poland results in discovering of sev- eral new localities and gathering big collections of carpophores, among them black truffles. This activity is of a great value for research and practice. The knowledge of occurrence of black truffles in natural habitats and of its distribution could help to better recognize the ecological requirements of particular truffle species. The results of taxonomical, ecological and chorological analyses are concluded in the identification of four taxa: Tuber bellonae Quél., T. mesentericum Vittad., T. aestivum Vittad., and T. aestivum Vittad. forma uncinatum (Chat.) Montecchi et Borelli. The collected material, consisting of more than 200 fruit bodies, came from 13 localities in calcareous uplands in the South of Poland. Some collections were also signalised by Hilszczańska et al. (2008). In the present paper, Tuber bellonae is reported from Poland for the first time. T. mesentericum has been found and continu- ously observed since 1981; T. aestivum was mentioned in the literature in 19. century in 6 localities in different parts of Poland (Lubelska 1954). No exsiccates of the latter species coming from these sites were found neither in Polish nor in foreign herbaria, therefore it is impossible to know its exact taxonomical interpretation. The recent collections of fresh carpophores reveal intraspecific variation of Tuber aestivum, ena- bling us to distinguish a group of uncinatum in the rank of a form. The characteristic features of this taxon are attributed to the collections coming from the most north- eastern localities and autumn as well as winter period of occurrence. Fig. 3 150 M. Ławrynowicz et al. Through examination of tens of carpophores revealed that part of them do not reach the maturity during the whole vegetation season. On the other hand it comes clear that the production of black truffle carpophores in Poland in the last years increases. Moreover, it seems that fruit bodies of T. mesentericum with cavity and T. bellonae with some depressions in carpophores are better adapted to humid and cold climatic conditions. Acknowledgments. Many thanks to Dr. Izabela Kałucka for improving the English version of the paper, Barbara Grzesiak for technical assistance, and an anonymous reviewer for helpful remarks. The study was supported by the Polish State Committee for Scientific Research grant no. P04 G 074 25. REFERENCES Alexandrowicz J ., Błoński F. 1894 Rodzaj Tuber Mich. Trufla. Rodzaj Choiromyces Vittad. Piestrak. Encyklopedia Rolnicza III: 616. Berkeley M. J., Broome C. E. 1851. Notices of British Hypogeous Fungi. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. 2, 7, 183. Błoński F. 1888. Kilka słów o truflach krajowych i sposobach ich poszukiwania. Wszechświat 7: 582–585. Caspary R. 1886. Trüffeln und trüffelähnliche Pilze in Preußen. Schriften der Physik.-Ökonom. Gesell- schaft zu Königsberg 27: 177–185. Ceruti A. 1960. Elaphomycetales et Tuberales. (In:) J. Bresadola, Iconographia Mycologica 28, Suppl. II. Trento. Chatin A. D. 1887. Une nouvelle espèce de Truffe: Tuber uncinatum. C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, 104, 1132. Ferry de la Bellone C. 1887. Nomenclature et determination des Tuberacés et de quelques hypogés récoltés en Provence. BSMF 3: 107–110. Hilszczańska D., Sierota Z., Palenzona M. 2008. New Tuber species fund in Poland. Mycorrhiza 15: 223–226. Kers L. E. 2003. Tryfflarna Tuber aestivum och T. mesentericum i Sverige. Svensk Botanisk Tidskrift 97: (3/4): 157–175. Knapp A. 1951. Die europäischen Hypogaeen-Gattungen und ihre Gattungstyppen. Schweiz. Zeitschr. Pilzk. 29 (4): 65–96. Lubelska B. 1954 (1953). O występowaniu trufli (Tuber Mich. i Choiromyces Vitt.) w Polsce. – The occurence of the truffles (Tuber Mich. and Choiromyces Vitt.) in Poland. Fragm. Flor. Geobot. 1: 87–96. Ławrynowicz M. 1988. Workowce (Ascomycetes). Jelaniakowe (Elaphomyce-tales), Truflowe (Tuberales). (In:) Flora Polska. Grzyby (Mycota) 18. Botanical Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, PWN, Warszawa-Kraków, 161 pp., 17 pls. Ławrynowicz M. 1989. Chorology of the European hypogeous Ascomycetes I. Elaphomycetales. Acta Mycol. 25 (1): 3–41. Ławrynowicz M. 1990. Chorology of the European hypogeous Ascomycetes. II. Tuberales. Acta Mycol. 26 (1): 7–75. Ławrynowicz M. 1999. Tuber mesentericum an interesting species of black truffles in Poland. Acta Mycol. 34 (1): 169–172. Montecchi A., Borelli M. 1990. Funghi ipogei raccolti nella localitá Vittadiniane: primi risultati. Riv. Micol. (AMB), 33 (3): 278–286. Montecchi A., Sarasini M. 2000. Funghi Ipogei d’Europa. A M.B., Fond Centro Studi Micologici, Torino. Pacioni G., Fantini P. 1997. Tuber bellonae un tartufo mediterraneo del complesso Tuber aestivum – Tuber mesentericum. Micol. e Veg. Mediterr. 12 (1): 15–20. Pegler D.N., Spooner B.M., Young T.W.K. 1993. British truffles. A revision of British hypogeous fungi. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Quélet L. – Quelques espèces critiques ou nouvelles de la flore mycologique de France. Bull. de l’assoc. franc. Congr. de Rouen 12: 498–512. Riousset L. et G., Chevalier G., Bardet M.C. 2001. Truffes d’Europe et d’Chine. INRA, Paris. Vittadini C. 1831. Monographia Tuberacearum. Milano. Weden C., Ericsson L., Danell E. 2001. Tryffelnyheter fran Gotland (research on Tuber aestivum syn. T. uncinatum, and T. mesentericum reported from Sweden for the first time). Svensk Botanisk Tid- skrift 95: 205–211. Occurrence of black truffles 151 Występowanie czarnych trufli w Polsce S t r e s z c z e n i e Grzyby podziemne, a wśród nich trufle są przedmiotem rosnącego zainteresowania z punktu widzenia naukowego i ekonomicznego, z uwagi na wysokie ceny jakie jadalne czarne trufle osiągają na rynkach światowych. Centrum występowania czarnych trufli stanowi strefa śródziemnomorska. Do strefy umiar- kowanej przenikają tylko niektóre gatunki, zaś najdalej, bo do południowej Skandynawii i na Wyspy Brytyjskie sięga trufla letnia Tuber aestivum. Gatunek ten wykazuje dużą zmienność cech taksonomicznych i bywa rozmaicie traktowany przez poszczególnych autorów zajmu- jących niekiedy skrajnie różne stanowiska. Jedni autorzy (np. Pegler i in. 1993) utrzymują T. aestivum jako jeden zbiorowy gatunek, inni zaś (np. Riousset i in. 2001) wyróżniają kilka gatunków w grupie T. aestivum, czyli tych trufli, które mają czarne, grubo brodawkowane pe- rydium i zarodniki z ornamentacją siateczkowatą. Autorzy niniejszej pracy, dysponując bogatym materiałem w postaci świeżych owocników zebranych w roku 2007 na 13 stanowiskach, podjęli próbę taksonomicznej interpretacji wystę- pujących w Polsce czarnych trufli. W wyniku analizy makro- i mikromorfologicznej, a także ekologicznej i chorologicznej wyróżniono cztery taksony: Tuber aestivum Vittad. – trufla let- nia, T. aestivum Vittad. forma uncinatum (Chat.) Mont. et Borelli – trufla letnia forma późna, T. mesentericum Vittad. – trufla wgłębiona i T. bellonae Quél. – trufla pośrednia. W pracy podano charakterystykę tych taksonów oraz ich rozmieszczenie w Polsce. T. bellonae został podany z Polski po raz pierwszy. Inne gatunki grzybów podziemnych, zebrane podczas badań terenowych będą przedmiotem kolejnych prac. 2014-01-01T11:47:52+0100 Polish Botanical Society