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Frequently Asked Questions What are truffles? The truffle is a fungus (growing underground). It forms in Spring between December to February. When it is born it has the form of a tiny cup shape, of which the edges will close up and form the Truffle. The interior of the Truffle will grow tiny veins, it is white internally and the skin is a reddish colour with small warts on the outer layer. As the truffle matures in June/September it changes to black inside with white veins. Only then does it emit the powerful aroma that sends the gastronomes into a heavenly spin. When is the truffle born? The fungi requires a warm moist period in early spring to trigger initiation of the fruiting body. It requires specific water management and in Europe irrigation is not possible on many trufferies, so they need to rely on summer storms to develop their truffles. Here we choose sites with irrigation potential if possible to eliminate the risk of a long dry period which may starve the truffle of moisture causing it to either abort or be small and contorted. They will normally reach their full size around March/April if conditions are optimal. What depth do truffle grow? Truffles are generally found in the top 150 mm, but can be down to 350 on rare occasions and emerging from the surface in certain conditions as can be seen from this picture. (Truffle on the top) What happens if the truffles are not harvested? If the truffles are not harvested, they will rot. However the spores will remain in the soil and if ingested by another animal may be transported to another host tree where they may give birth to new mycorrhiza What are the mycorrhizas? The mycorrhizas are the organs as a result of the symbiosis between the tree and the fungi. They look like small baseball bats coming from the roots and generally in clumps. Does the tree benefit from hosting the truffle? The fungus provides mineral salts (phosphorus) for the tree. It helps the tree to support high calcium levels to obtain its nutrients and it is a great source of moisture for the tree. What is a Brule? The fruiting is preceded by this phenomenon of the "Brule", due to a process which inhibits the germination of certain seeds that attempt to grow above the fungi. This phenomenon can be seen under trees of less than two years of age and whilst it is not a guarantee that the tree will produce truffles, it is a sign that the fungi is present and active. What soils are required for truffles? It is clear that Tuber Melanosporum thrives in certain types of high calcium or limestone soils, in a fairly wide range as our research has proven. Soil analyses on these different sites known to be good producers show constant factors in physical characteristics, structure, water retaining capacity balanced elements, drainage capacity. With good soil testing and manipulation of the soils we can now create this ideal environment in non calcareous soils for truffle growth. Climate The zones of production of Tuber Melanosporum are situated between 4Oth and 47th degrees of South latitude. This species needs a temperate climate with well marked seasons. During its maturing phase it freezes underground at -7° C. The ideal climate for truffles is: - Winter with nights at -1-5°, and days between 1O° to 14°C - Spring with alternating periods of damp and heat. - Hot Summer interrupted by thunderstorms or irrigation events, in late February/ March and an Autumn which is not too wet. However, Tuber Melanosporum is a very resistant truffle, both against drought and flood. It is vulnerable during its growing cycle, during which both shortage and excess of water can be fatal. What Trees are used for truffle hosts? There are many trees know to be able to host the truffle fungi, English oaks, holm oaks, Pubescence oaks, hornbean, hazelnut trees to name a few. Some of these trees may be better suited to some soils than others and the industry is too young in Australia to make any definitive conclusions as to which species are the best. What animals are used to hunt for truffles? Pigs were the traditional animal used to locate the mature truffle, but in essence it is difficult to train a pig to sit, stop or stay, then don't eat the truffle, which is a natural thing for a pig to do, so we use specially trained dogs to identify the location of the truffles. Any dog will find truffles if it has a good relationship with its trainer and enjoys the game. We have used Springer spaniels, Labradors and a lagoto which is a traditional European truffle hunting dog, but they all have their good and bad points. Can you grow a truffle infected tree near a eucalyptus tree without any fear of cross contamination? Professor Jim Trappe who is a world mycorrhizal expert says quite categorically that there is no chance of cross contamination, from one tree to another, especially in light of the higher pH the tuber melanosporum enjoys compared to other native fungi

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