Ecology and distribution of desert Truffles in Algeria.

Abstract This first study focuses on geographical distribution of desert truffles in Algeria, their diversity and their ecological requirements during growing seasons according to field surveys carried out during thirty years (1986–2016). Investigations in 61 productive sites of desert truffles spread over several bioclimatic areas revealed the presence of nine species to genera Terfezia, Tirmania and Picoa and their host plants Helianthemum spp. This study complements our earlier work on characterization of Terfezia and Picoa samples harvested throughout Algeria by macro-and micromorphological studies and by molecular phylogeny. Pedoclimatic factors were evaluated, host plants species were identified and mycorrhizal relationships of these fungi species under field conditions were examined. Results revealed that good natural yield desert truffles species is closely linked to intensity and distribution of rainfall, the temperature, frequency of storms during ascomata growing seasons. Nine desert truffles species grow on sandy loam soil and form with annual or perennial Helianthemum spp. endomycorrhizae on calcareous soil and also ectomycorrhizae without mantle on acidic soil in Helianthemum guttatum..