Morphological evaluation of the interaction of Pinus and Quercus roots with fungi of the genus Tuber in the framework of the first project developed in the province of Tucumán (Argentina)

Abstract

Truffles are hypogeous fungi that grow near the roots of certain tree species, forming a mutualistic symbiotic association. In the province of Tucumán, in 2012, the Obispo Colombres Agro-Industrial Experimental Station carried out the first provincial and regional project to evaluate truffle cultivation as a productive alternative in Northwestern Argentina. In this context, the present study aims to assess the interaction of ectomycorrhizal inocula in forest species, characterize the different morphological types of mycorrhizal structures, and describe the features of the Tuber uncinatum sporocarp, differentiated in the interaction. The plantations were established in five localities within the province, located in piedmont zones, intermontane and high-altitude valleys. Two species of Pinus and two of Quercus were inoculated with three species of Tuber. The samplings were carried out in the months of May and June from 2015 to 2018, as well as in December 2024. Root samples were taken with three subsamples, corresponding to each individual/combination/locality. Subsequently, cross-sections of the root were made, to which histological techniques and conventional staining methods were applied. An effective symbiosis between the roots and the inoculated fungi was evident at all analysed sites, as corroborated by the morphological and anatomical characteristics observed. These structures are described and illustrated in the six combinations evaluated. This forestry production with Tuber sporocarp differentiation shows a potential for future profitability, consolidating itself as a promising productive alternative for the economic and ecological development of the region.