Distribution, biological diversity, and conservation of Chinese black truffle

Truffles are hypogeous ascomycetes belonging to the genus Tuber , which produces edible ascocarps of high market value. Tuber indicum complex (Chinese black truffle) is mainly distributed in the southwestern region of China (Yunnan and Sichuan). It is the largest and most widely distributed wild trade edible species of the genus Tuber in China. In our previous field investigation on Tuber resources, we found some “black truffle” under artificial cultivation in a chestnut forest in Zunhua area of Hebei province, North China. Morphological and molecular phylogenetic analysis revealed that the “black truffle” was closely related to the T. formosanum and the T. indicum . Combining its geographical distribution and host tree information, we recognized it as an ecotype of the T. indicum complex. These findings provide important information for understanding the origin and evolution of the global Tuber genus and cultivation of Chinese black truffle. In addition, this study also reveals the taxonomy and distribution status of wild resources of the Chinese black truffle, and proposes some suggestions for the protection and sustainable utilization of truffles in the future.