Performing Department
Entomology And Plant Pathology
Non Technical Summary
The ability of truffle infected trees will be evaluated to determine if a truffle industry could be established in Oklahoma. Truffles are being produced in Texas and Tennessee and I believe can be produced in Oklahoma. Truffles can be sold for up to $8400.00 per pound. Therefore, the rewards for individuals can be great.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
20%
Developmental
80%
Goals / Objectives
1. Evaluate the survivability of truffle inoculated trees. Truffle inoculated trees are available from New World Truffieres, Inc., Eugene, OR. Unfortunately; the three tree species available (Quercus ilex, Q. pubesens and Corylus avellana) are not native to Oklahoma and all must be evaluated for their ability to grow under Oklahoma conditions. (Year 1 and 2). Truffle infested trees most likely to survive in Oklahoma include: hazelnut, Corylus sp. and certain species of oak. A new book on truffles (3) lists over fifty different tree species that can be used to produce truffles. 2. Evaluate how the microclimate can be manipulated through mulches and irrigation in order to increase the survival of inoculated trees. (Year 3 and 4). 3.Determine which trees native to Oklahoma could successfully form mycorrhizal associations with Tuber spp. (year 4 and 5). This would be the area of interest for the M.S. student in Entomology and Plant Pathology. 4.It may take 4 to 5 years for truffles to form on the roots of trees. Therefore an evaluation of the yield potential for each type of inoculated tree will not be possible until Year 8 to 10, beyond the limits for this project. After I retire, My Co-P.I's will take the lead in following this project to completion. However, there will be useful information developed concerning selection of trees to plant and which native trees could form mycorrhizal associations with Tuber melanosporum and would be best to plant in Oklahoma 5. Summarize our data and make recommendations through the OSU Extension offices to Oklahoma Growers.
Project Methods
Truffle infected trees will be obtained from New World tuffierres and will be planted in Oklahoma to determine if they will grow under our environmental conditions. Truffles should be produced in 2 to 3 years.