It is always a pleasure to watch mycorrhizae of the target species while testing seedlings against the New Zealand Truffle Association Standard for the nurseries adhering to the scheme so far, i.e., Southern Woods Nursery (SWN) and Chesterhope Truffles Ltd.
In October 2024, Mycotree has invested in a world-class stereomicroscope, enabling us to track and document mycorrhizae of your target truffle & mushroom species better than ever before! We seize this opportunity to showcase the mycorrhizae observed while performing seedlings testing this year.
The picture above shows the microscope ‘at work’ on a pine seedling mycorrhized by Lactarius deliciosus (The Saffron milk cap), while pictures below feature close-up views of gorgeous mycorrhizae of both saffron milk cap and Tuber melanosporum (The Périgord black truffle).
Note the typical colour and swelling of all mycorrhiza mantles, as well as the characteristic emanating hyphae, “hair”, of T. melanosporum (not always present or easily seen!). The emanating hyphae of saffron milk cap mycorrhizae aggregate in rather thick, vivid orange, root-like threads called rhizomorphs, as seen on the screen by the microscope. Many Périgord and Saffron milk cap mycorrhizae are branching, another sign of advanced development of the symbioses. On the second, larger, T. melanosporum photo, there are many more mycorrhizae than meet the eye for those who look attentively.
It takes a lot of work and commitment to produce seedlings that pass the NZTA standard, but this is what you need to start a truffière/mushroom orchard in the best conditions. Congratulations to both nurseries! 🙂 In the future, we look forward to welcoming nurseries that have expressed support and interest in joining the scheme.
