Truffle phylogenomics: New insights into truffle evolution and truffle life cycle

Abstract

Truffles are ectomycorrhizal filamentous fungi belonging to genus Tuber naturally found across a range of climates in the Northern Hemisphere. Some truffle species such as Périgord black truffle (T. melanosporum) and the white truffle (T. magnatum) in Europe, the black Chinese truffle (T. indicum) in Asia, and the pecan truffle (T. lyonii) in North America are particularly famous due to the organoleptic qualities of their fruiting bodies and are among the world's most precious culinary delicacies. In this chapter, we summarize the recent studies pertaining to the phylogeography and biogeographic history of the genus Tuber, genomic analysis of the black truffle Tuber melanosporum, and comparative genomics towards understanding the life cycle, ecology, and evolution of Tuber species. Such understanding is critical to the anticipated future of truffle production in light of global change. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.