A realized Tuber magnatum niche in the upper Sinni area (south Italy)

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 conglom- erate bead-rock substrate. Target area is located in Pavari's cold and medium-cold Lauretum phithocli- matic belts. Ascoma genomic DNA was analyzed and ITS sequences, microsatellites (MA2, MA4 and MA7), along with M13 minisatellite loci, did show low heteo- zygosity (H E = 0.153). Serrapotamo genotypes did not express localized markers when compared with Pie- monte (north Italy) genetic material. ITS marker, monomorphic within T. magnatum, was efficient at distinguishing T. borchii in a mixture of both. Ser- rapotamo niche represents a unique T. magnatum diversity spot in the southernmost side of the Medi- terranean region. Maintaining Serrapotamo T. mag- natum diversity by undertaking conservation meas- ures is adviced.