DESERT TRUFFLES OF THE NORTH ALGERIAN SAHARA: DIVERSITY AND BIOECOLOGY

Abstract

This study reports on the bio-ecology of desert truffles collected from the Northern Algerian Sahara. It aims focused on (i) the identification of desert truffle species with a morphometric characterization, (ii) the determination of their geographical distribution, and (iii) the description of the edaphic, climatic and geomorphological characteristics of their natural habitat. The harvest of 78 truffle fruiting bodies from seven different locations resulted in the identification of three species of the family Pezizaceae: Terfezia arenaria (Moris) Trappe, Terfezia claveryi Chatin and Tirmania nivea (Desf.) Trappe. These hypogeous ascomycetes live in mycorrhizal association with Helianthemum lippii (Cistaceae). Desert truffles grow in heterogeneous soils of sandy texture, moderately calcareous (10.19 ± 1.37%), slightly alkaline (7.87 ± 0.22), with low organic matter (0.86 ± 0.1%) and slight phosphorus contents. The development of desert truffles is closely linked with high rainfall occurring during fall and/or winter. The truffles colonize desert depressions "Dayas" and beds of Wadis, since these geomorphological zones accumulate rainwater, which promotes the growth of both truffles and its host?plant.