How can trees be tested for their truffle growing potential?
Here at MSL we are big fans of independent DNA testing. The truffle fungus grows on the root surface of the tree and can often be seen with a low-power microscope. Visual analysis can be revealing, although we have seen strong variation in a range of ‘experts’ ability to identify the truffle fungus (especially the summer truffle variety). We’ve seen well inoculated trees labelled as ‘no truffle fungus’ and the converse. For this reason we strongly recommend DNA testing as the only accurate testing solution. Each year, we use DNA testing to qualify the presence of truffle on the roots of a number of our trees.
