Applicazione di approcci tecnologici avanzati per l’analisi della qualità e della diversità biologica nei tartufi

Truffles of the genus Tuber are highly valued fungi that host complex biological communities and undergo post-harvest transformations affecting their quality and shelf life. This study applies advanced technological approaches to investigate truffle quality and biological diversity, integrating quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (QMRI) with ecological and microbiological analyses. QMRI was used to monitor mass, volume, and water content variations in Tuber aestivum, Tuber melanosporum, and Tuber borchii ascomata stored under different conditions. The results demonstrated that QMRI is a non-invasive tool capable of tracking structural and molecular changes over time. The effectiveness of a hypogeal display case with ultrasonic humidity control (HDC) was also assessed, showing its potential in reducing shrinkage and water loss, thereby extending truffle shelf life compared to conventional refrigeration. Beyond technological advancements, this research explores the diversity of organisms associated with truffles. Molecular identification of Diptera species inhabiting T. aestivum revealed multiple coexisting taxa with no apparent site specificity, emphasizing the ecological complexity of truffle-associated insect communities. Additionally, fungal species colonizing T. melanosporum, T. aestivum, and T. borchii were isolated and barcoded, identifying previously unreported taxa, including rare filamentous fungi and yeasts. Furthermore, microbial communities associated with truffle rot were characterized by sequencing bacterial and fungal DNA from healthy and decayed gleba tissues. Differences in microbial composition were observed, with 20 bacterial and 3 fungal genera significantly differing between tissue types.