First attempt towards cultivation of Tuber aestivum in Poland

Tuber aestivum has been recently recorded from Poland. A selection of local inocula of T. aestivum collected from fruiting bodies found in Poland in 2007 was used to inoculate 1-year-old seedlings of Quercus robur. The ectomycorrhizal structure was monitored for six months in greenhouse; the colonization rate was very high and 100% of the investigated seedlings possessed ectomycorrhizae of T. aestivum. In October 2008. 130 seedlings were planted to a site with rendzic soil. With 96% the survival rate of seedlings after one year in the field was really high. Tuber aestivum mycorrhizae dominated (75%) on the roots. The ectomycorrhizae of adventive fungi could also be observed, mainly Thelephora and Hebeloma. Through this research project, we want to create an incentive for restoration of some endangered species by establishing oak plantations.