NEWS

Prof. Paul Thomas (our Managing Director) has appeared on several TV programmes, radio shows and in many written articles. Specific areas of expertise include the biology, cultivation, hunting and cooking methods of the wide range of truffle species. If you would like an interview or require information for an article then please use our contact form and we would be very happy to help.

Below, our most recent news articles are displayed and our back-catalogue is open for browsing.

November 5, 2017

First ever Périgord black truffle cultivated in the UK due to climate change

We’re excited to announce that the first cultivated black Périgord (winter) truffle in the UK has been produced using Mycorrhizal Systems technology – this is the first time the truffle has been found north of central France and was grown on our partner site in Monmouthshire, South Wales. The truffle find and associated research has been reported in the journal ‘Climate Research’. Analysis by researchers from the University of Cambridge and Dr Paul Thomas from Mycorrhizal Systems and the University of Stirling suggests that climate change was a factor and that truffle cultivation may be possible in many parts of the UK. The scientific breakthrough is an important development for the burgeoning UK truffle industry as climate change is threatening native black Périgord truffle habitats in southern Europe.
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June 5, 2017

BBC Rip Off Britain – Preserved Truffles

Is there really truffle in truffle oil? Are preserved truffles any good? Recently we were asked to help investigate a possible case of food fraud for BBC 1 Rip Off Britain. Aired on the 5th of June 2017, the programme revolves around a jar of truffles preserved with oil that had a surprisingly odd aroma. The Rip Off Britain team sought Dr Paul Thomas’ help to test for truffle spores and truffle DNA.
Do you like it?
Read more
March 13, 2017

DNA testing: Ensuring you get the truffle trees you expect (and pay for!)

The winter truffle season is coming to a close and we’re busy finishing our DNA testing on truffles that have been sent in. Shipments of the winter truffle (Tuber melanosporum) are sometimes contaminated with inferior asiatic species. At Mycorrhizal Systems we ensure that all truffles involved in the cultivation process are exactly what we expect them to be, which is why, unlike other suppliers, we can 100% guarantee our truffle trees are correctly inoculated and uncontaminated.
Do you like it?
Read more
February 18, 2017

TED.com Ideas Blog – How to grow truffles using DNA technology

Following on from Sebastian Kraves’ TED talk that focused on the miniPCR DNA Discovery System that his team had developed and featuring how this technology was utilised by Dr Paul Thomas in our truffle cultivation processes, TED have featured Dr Thomas’ work in this area in their Ideas blog. The article delves deeper into how technology is enabling Mycorrhizal Systems to remain at the forefront of truffle cultivation technology.  
Do you like it?
Read more
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  • Samantha Ellis

    From guidance in orchard establishment, tree supply and management to our own truffle distribution network, we've got all angles covered

    Samantha Ellis
    Business Development
  • Dr Paul Thomas

    Thorough and scientific methodologies, attention to detail and having a committed partner at every step of the way, is the only reliable approach to truffle cultivation

    Dr Paul Thomas
    General Director
  • Daniel Paskin

    With our own genetics lab and research sites in 23 countries, we are truly world-leading in the field

    Daniel Paskin
    Nursery Manager
November 5, 2017

First ever Périgord black truffle cultivated in the UK due to climate change

We’re excited to announce that the first cultivated black Périgord (winter) truffle in the UK has been produced using Mycorrhizal Systems technology – this is the first time the truffle has been found north of central France and was grown on our partner site in Monmouthshire, South Wales. The truffle find and associated research has been reported in the journal ‘Climate Research’. Analysis by researchers from the University of Cambridge and Dr Paul Thomas from Mycorrhizal Systems and the University of Stirling suggests that climate change was a factor and that truffle cultivation may be possible in many parts of the UK. The scientific breakthrough is an important development for the burgeoning UK truffle industry as climate change is threatening native black Périgord truffle habitats in southern Europe.
Do you like it?
Read more
June 5, 2017

BBC Rip Off Britain – Preserved Truffles

Is there really truffle in truffle oil? Are preserved truffles any good? Recently we were asked to help investigate a possible case of food fraud for BBC 1 Rip Off Britain. Aired on the 5th of June 2017, the programme revolves around a jar of truffles preserved with oil that had a surprisingly odd aroma. The Rip Off Britain team sought Dr Paul Thomas’ help to test for truffle spores and truffle DNA.
Do you like it?
Read more
March 13, 2017

DNA testing: Ensuring you get the truffle trees you expect (and pay for!)

The winter truffle season is coming to a close and we’re busy finishing our DNA testing on truffles that have been sent in. Shipments of the winter truffle (Tuber melanosporum) are sometimes contaminated with inferior asiatic species. At Mycorrhizal Systems we ensure that all truffles involved in the cultivation process are exactly what we expect them to be, which is why, unlike other suppliers, we can 100% guarantee our truffle trees are correctly inoculated and uncontaminated.
Do you like it?
Read more
February 18, 2017

TED.com Ideas Blog – How to grow truffles using DNA technology

Following on from Sebastian Kraves’ TED talk that focused on the miniPCR DNA Discovery System that his team had developed and featuring how this technology was utilised by Dr Paul Thomas in our truffle cultivation processes, TED have featured Dr Thomas’ work in this area in their Ideas blog. The article delves deeper into how technology is enabling Mycorrhizal Systems to remain at the forefront of truffle cultivation technology.  
Do you like it?
Read more
1...6789