Mature-tree inoculation trials based in central England
The tried-and-tested approach to truffle
cultivation involves planting saplings inoculated with the truffle fungus.
In the spring of 2007 we trailed a new and innovative approach, by inoculating
already established mature-trees.
The site
Truffles require an alkali soil but even acidic soils can be used with modification. However, for these mature-tree trials to be a success the site must already have alkali conditions since alteration could damage the established trees. The pH of our trial site has a range of 7.3-7.6.
The site contains 493 hazel trees (of several cultivars) arranged in rows, all of which were treated.
The treatment
493 trees on the trial site were treated with a technique we have
perfected over the past 7 years. Our major treatment phase was
the spring of 2007 and results were first taken 90 days after the initial
treatment.
The results so far
Root samples taken prior to treatment showed no evidence of truffle-fungus
presence. 90 days after treatment we recorded truffle establishment
within 20% of samples. The second phase of testing is underway and early indications show a 60-70% uptake.
These results are extremely encouraging, proving that other systems may be used to cultivate truffles. The predicted benefits include a shorter time to harvest and regular updates will be published here.
The first set of results was well received at an international scientific
conference in the summer of 2007 and a paper is being prepared for peer-review
publication in a scientific journal during 2008.
Contact us
If you have a site that you think may be suitable for such an approach, please contact us to discuss the various options.
