Essential Elements as a Distinguishing Factor between Mycorrhizal Potentials of Two Cohabiting Truffle Species in Riparian Forest Habitat in Serbia

Abstract

True truffles (Tuber sp.) that establish ectomycorrhizal symbiosis (ECM) with trees in the Mediterranean and temporal regions have species specific abilities to assimilate soil born elements. Suitable habitats are usually inhabited by few truffle species, while distinguishing their symbiotic potentials appeared very difficult. Two species that commonly inhabit riparian forests in Serbia are the most prized one, Tuber magnatum Pico (Piedmont white truffle) and not so highly valued Tuber brumale Vitt. In order to assess potential differences between their assimilation and accumulation abilities, the differences between contents of elements that may be the subjects of the symbiotic trade between the host plant and fungi were evaluated in accumulation target (ascocarps) and their source (the soil). Essential macro (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, P, S and Zn) and essential trace (Co, Cr, Cu, Mn and Se) elements in truffles and soil samples were determined by means of inductively coupled plasma with optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Their concentrations (mg/kg) in ascocarps were in the range from 1.364±0.591 (Cr) to 10760.862±16.058 (K), while in soil ranged from 23.035±0.010 (Cr) to 20809.300±122.934 (Fe). Element accumulation potential (bioaccumulation factor) was calculated in the system truffle/soil. The statistical approaches were used for establishing the differences, while the possible differentiation between symbiotic potentials of two mycelia in the defined soil conditions was discussed. Keywords: Tuber magnatum • Tuber brumale • essential elements • essential trace elements • ICP-OEShaving high ability of absorption, fungi are able to take up from the environment many inorganic substances in a species specific way. [2] Accordingly, different ECM fungi also have different abilities of assimilation and accumulation of soil born elements and water, but this process is, in addition, controlled by host plant demands. Most ECM fungi form highly nutritious above ground (epigeic) sporocarps, aimed to be consumed by different animals for spore dispersal, but some species have specialized in surviving harsh conditions and adapted to forming sporocarps within the soil (hypogeic). In order to attract potential spore dispersing subjects, they usually produce plenty of strong aromatic substances so that animals would be able to detect them. Entry for the Graphical Illustration Twitter TextStudy presents the differences in symbiotic assimilation and accumulation of essential and essential trace elements in Tuber magnatum Pico and Tuber brumale Vitt. cohabitating in a specific ecosystem in Western Serbia.

Can We Discover Truffle’s True Identity?

“…The Zn content of T. magnatum is twice that of the other truffle species, which is consistent with the results obtained for T. magnatum and T. brumale from Serbia [34]. In their study, T. magnatum appeared to be more competitive, being able to more efficiently assimilate/accumulate Cu, K, Na, P, and Zn.…”

“…The amounts of Na, Mg, Zn, Ba and S are significantly higher in T. magnatum, while the concentrations of P and S are significantly lower in T. aestivum. The Zn content of T. magnatum is twice that of the other truffle species, which is consistent with the results obtained for T. magnatum and T. brumale from Serbia [34]. In their study, T. magnatum appeared to be more competitive, being able to more efficiently assimilate/accumulate Cu, K, Na, P, and Zn.…”

“…Geographical differentiation involving stable isotope composition have been performed for other fungal species. Based on the 13 C/ 12 C, 15 N/ 14 N, 18 O/ 16 O, and 34 S/ 32 S ratios in mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), it was possible to differentiate between specimens from six regions in Korea [25], while Puscas et al [26] were able to distinguish samples from different regions of Transylvania using carbon isotope ratios of bulk fungi ( 13 C/ 12 C) and the hydrogen and oxygen isotope ratios ( 2 H/ 1 H, 18 O/ 16 O) in water extracted from the samples. It was also possible to obtain supplementary information about the geographical origin of truffles from the 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios, since almost the entire life cycle of the ascocarps takes place underground in the presence of the host tree.…”

“…To date, only two studies have looked at the elemental composition of T. magnatum in order to assess potential differences in their assimilation and accumulation abilities [34,35]. Tuber magnatum appears to be the more competitive of the different varieties, being able to more efficiently assimilate/accumulate Cu, K, Na, P, and Zn.…”

Mineral Profile of the Winter Wheat Grain: Effects of Soil Tillage Systems and Nitrogen Fertilization

“…The wheat grain samples were ground in the laboratory mill SJ-500 (producer "Metron"), and then prepared for the chemical analysis. Both soil and grain samples were subjected to the process of "wet digestion" as described in our previous work (Popović-Djordjević et al, 2019).…”