European Black Truffle: Its Potential Role in Agroforestry Development in the Marginal Lands of Mediterranean Calcareous Mountains

Abstract

The European black truffle is the highly valued fruiting body of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Tuber melanosporum Vitt. Despite the technical advances achieved during the 19th and the 20th centuries, truffle production has suffered a pronounced decline. At present, the ecological requirements of this fungus are relatively well-known and cultural practices have been developed to meet these requirements; nevertheless, plantation yields remain highly unpredictable. Black truffles are naturally found in many Mediterranean calcareous mountains with limited agricultural and forestry potential. An agroforestry approach, integrating management of truffleproducing forests and cultivation of the fungus in marginal agricultural land could contribute to sustainable rural development of these less favoured areas, thanks to the socio-economic and environmental implications of the black truffle cultivation