A realized Tuber magnatum niche in the upper Sinni area (south Italy)

A realized Tuber magnatum niche, in the upper Sinni area (Serrapotamo, south Italy), was studied using geographic information system, direct in situ survey and genetic diversity at DNA marker loci. Truffières were north facing, associated with a fine loamy-sandy soil bearing high carbonate content over a conglomerate bead-rock substrate. Target area is located in Pavari's cold and medium-cold Lauretum phithoclimatic belts. Ascoma genomic DNA was analyzed and ITS sequences, microsatellites (MA2, MA4 and MA7), along with M13 minisatellite loci, did show low heteozygosity (HE = 0.153). Serrapotamo genotypes did not express localized markers when compared with Piemonte (north Italy) genetic material. ITS marker, monomorphic within T. magnatum, was efficient at distinguishing T. borchii in a mixture of both. Serrapotamo niche represents a unique T. magnatum diversity spot in the southernmost side of the Mediterranean region. Maintaining Serrapotamo T. magnatum diversity by undertaking conservation measures is adviced.