The Chinese truffle is infamous for its spread throughout truffle markets. The species is often mixed with the more expensive Tuber melanosporum to increase the weight of a batch of truffles and to increase the price that a vendor can receive. The problem is huge worldwide and this has led to many people claiming to be able to identify differences in the two species.

Differentiating these species by eye is almost impossible. When we look at the spores down a microscope, the difference is also almost impossible. Both species have spiny spores of similar size with variable colour and spore number, as the attached picture eloquently shows. Consequently, we are convinced that the only reliable way to test the species apart is with DNA technology.

We use DNA testing frequently at MSL and for identification of this species, its essential.

We can test a wide range of truffle and non-truffle species for identification on either a genetic or microscopic level. For more information, please do get in contact: Shop@PlantationSystems.com

Tuber indicum and Tuber melanosporum spores