Analyses for truffle growers

MicoLab provides specialized laboratory services through its own in-house facilities, offering the following types of analysis:

Analysis of nursery plants inoculated with Tuberspecies
Analysis of nursery plants inoculated with Terfeziaspecies
Assessment of mycorrhizal colonization in truffle plantations
Soil, water, and amendment analysis
Evaluation of fungal-based endomycorrhizal biostimulants

Below you will find a brief description of each service.

Analysis of nursery plants inoculated with Tuber species

This analysis determines the average amount of truffle mycorrhizae present in the selected plant, as well as the presence and proportion of potential contaminant fungi that could compromise the success of your investment.

The quality of both the root system and the aerial part of the plant is also evaluated, along with its overall health status. These factors significantly influence the plant’s chances of survival once planted in the field.

The method used to assess the quality of the mycorrhized plant is the one developed by Fisher and Colinas (Forest Science and Technology Centre of Catalonia and University of Lleida). We follow their most recent revision, published in 2014.

Analysis of nursery plants inoculated with Terfezia species

This analysis determines the presence and relative abundance of endomycorrhizal structures in the roots of nursery plants. The roots must be treated and stained to allow observation of the fungal structures within them.

The quality of both the root system and the aerial part of the plant is also evaluated, along with its overall health status, as these factors directly influence the plant’s chances of survival once transplanted into the field.

For the identification and quantification of Terfezia claveryi endomycorrhizae, we follow the descriptions provided in the article Morphological characterization of the mycorrhiza formed by Helianthemum almeriense Pau with Terfezia claveryi Chatin and Picoa lefebvrei (Pat.) Maire (Gutierrez et al., Mycorrhiza, 2003).

Assessment of mycorrhizal colonization in truffle plantations

This analysis identifies the ectomycorrhizal species present in the plantation and the the abundance of each species in the root systems. The goal is to track the development of truffle mycorrhizae, detect the presence of contaminant fungi, and assess their potential risk ito understand future yield prospects and support decision-making.

The mycorrhizal analysis methodology used has been adapted from the protocol developed by the Agri-Food Research and Technology Centre of Aragón (CITA), as described by Sánchez et al. in the article Persistence and detection of black truffle ectomycorrhizas in plantations: comparison between two field detection methods (Mycorrhiza, 2014).

Evaluation of fungal-based endomycorrhizal biostimulants

This procedure quantifies endomycorrhizal spores and vesicles within the biostimulant by means of microscopy, after sieving, extraction, and staining of its organic components.

It allows us to assess the proportion of root fragments containing endomycorrhizae and viable vesicles in the product, providing insight into its potential effectiveness as a biostimulant and helping determine appropriate dosage requirements.

The methodology used follows the 2022 UNE-CEN/TS 17722 and 17725 technical specifications for the analysis of plant biostimulants. These standards are applied alongside the corresponding protocols for biostimulant sampling and sample preparation.

Soil, water, and amendment análisis

Soil analysis is essential for evaluating the viability of a plot before establishing a truffle plantation. It also helps identify management and improvement needs throughout the productive life of the orchard.

At MicoLab, we specialize in soil management and offer a comprehensive approach that offers more than basic soil chemistry and texture analysis. We include infiltration and compaction tests, which are used to evaluate the soil’s ability to support healthy and uniform truffle development.

In addition, we analyze irrigation water to ensure its quality, and we study soil amendments to verify their suitability and to be able to calculate precise application rates for optimal soil improvement.

These analyses are provided exclusively as part of our services for truffle cultivation projects, both for new plantations and for the optimization of existing ones.