TITLE:
A realized Tuber magnatum niche in the upper Sinni area (south Italy)
AUTHORS:
Giovanni Figliuolo, Giovanna Trupo, Stefania Mang
KEYWORDS:
Genetic Diversity; Conservation; Niche; White Truffle
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Genetics,
Vol.3 No.2,
June
25,
2013
ABSTRACT: A realized Tuber magnatum niche, in the upper Sinni area (Serrapotamo, south Italy), was
studied using geographic information system, direct in situ survey and genetic diversity at DNA marker loci. Truffières
were north facing, associated with a fine loamy-sandy soil bearing high
carbonate content over a conglomerate bead-rock substrate. Target area is located
in Pavari's cold and medium-cold Lauretum phithoclimatic belts. Ascoma genomic DNA was analyzed and ITS sequences,
microsatellites (MA2, MA4 and MA7), along with M13 minisatellite loci, did show
low heteozygosity (HE =
0.153). Serrapotamo genotypes did not express localized markers when compared
with Piemonte (north Italy) genetic material. ITS marker, monomorphic within T. magnatum, was efficient at
distinguishing T. borchii in a
mixture of both. Serrapotamo niche represents a unique T. magnatum diversity spot in the southernmost side of the Mediterranean
region. Maintaining Serrapotamo T. magnatum diversity by undertaking conservation measures is adviced.