What are the keys to producing more truffles?

Truffles are delicious, nutritious and very rare, a combination that makes them one of the most expensive foods in the world by weight. It is known that Both Rio Negro and Neuquén have areas suitable for truffle cultivation.

«We're just making our way. We advise truffle growers who have pollinated tree species. “We see how they turn out,” he explained. Maria Belen BeldinDoctor of the University of Buenos Aires in Biological Sciences, Conicet Researcher at CIEFAP

Regarding high temperatures in summer, when mushrooms are less fruitful, it is recommended to manage the property so that the temperature does not affect it too much. “Pruning management can help a lot, and periodic assessments of the condition of the roots to know what is happening underground and then be able to make timely management decisions are highly recommended,” explains Paruitavena.

Scientists have mentioned this In the Andean Patagonia region, there are soils that tend to have an acidic pH. It can be corrected by adding calcium carbonate. You have to check it regularly and correct it when it goes down.”

He also said that for truffles to bear fruit, there must be male and female mycelium (the hyphae that form the mushroom body) in the farm's soil. «Using molecular techniques, we evaluate whether males and females are present or if there is an imbalance. The producer, in turn, must add spores to the field to improve this balance, he noted.

Another example of researchers' involvement is examining pollen (spores similar to microscopic plant seeds responsible for reproduction).

“If a producer sells pollen that is not a black truffle, he will make a large investment and get a lower-value truffle. In addition, the soil is contaminated with other species. We also analyze seedlings produced by nurseries. To ensure good production, a high percentage of more than 40% of the roots must be colonized with this type of fungus.

Depending on the number of trees, an average of 30 to 50 kilograms of truffles per hectare per year can be achieved, with the exception of 120. “For this reason, it is important to choose the location, the quality of the inoculated plant, the purity of those roots and their subsequent handling,” he added.