Truffles - An Unexploited

Managing Natural Resources for Sustaining Future Agriculture
Research Briefings
Volume (1), No (18), 2011
Truffles An Unexploited Treasure in

Pakistan Issues and Options
Sidra Majeed1 and Dr. Shahid Ahmad2
April 2011
1
2
Scientific Officer INRM Cell, NRD, PARC

Member Incharge NRD, PARC
Natural Resources Division, Pakistan Agricultural Research

Council, Islamabad, Pakistan

Research Briefings
Volume (1), No (18), 2011
Truffles An Unexploited Treasure in Pakistan- Issues and

Options
1.
Motivation
In Natural Resource Division, PARC a special initiative was taken and therefore priority was settled
for the development of natural products from the agriculture sector. Ranging from understanding the
markets into which new products will be sold to determining which products has more commercial
potential; while this priority was settled one of the scientists named Mr. Karim Nawaz while working
on the spate irrigated area of D. G. Khan, brought the Information about the occurrence of truffles3 in
that area. Truffles are highly priced in the international market. It is a delicacy and unexploited
potential in Pakistan. Although few people exploited the niche market but still its a most valuable
treasure lying unexposed in the lands of Pakistan. After having the introduction of truffles scientists in
NRD were motivated to do the research from the secondary and primary sources. In this Regard first
effort was made in the shape of this study. It is a preliminary research pointing towards the potential of
truffle cultivation in Pakistan. Moreover the purpose of this study is to make scientists aware of
truffles and its occurrence in Pakistan; it will also help in exploring refined facts from different areas.
This study will focus on the issues that have hindered the research in this area and options that can
make it a success in Pakistan. Following this study a companion paper will be released focusing on
the methods for cultivation of truffles. Besides this another study will be conducted in NRD on other
species of natural mushrooms like morels which is also a high value and promising specie of natural
mushrooms and unlike truffles it also have a commercial market value in Pakistan and it has wider
prospects within country unlike truffles.
2.
Background
Truffles are hypogenous (underground) versions of mushrooms. They don't form a prominent stem and
their spore-bearing surfaces are enclosed. They rely on animals eating them (mycophagy) to distribute
their spores, instead of air currents like mushrooms. Truffles resemble small potatoes, and often
between the size of a marble and a golf ball. There are hundreds of different kinds of truffles, and
while none are known to be poisonous, only a few of them are considered to be delicacies by humans
(Oregon Garden Rediscovery Forest and Oregon Forest Resources Institute 2005).
Truffles grow in conjunction with the roots of a higher plant. Many of these are mycorrhizal4;
Mycorrhizal mushrooms are the hardest to grow commercially, because the needs of both the fungus
and the host plant must be met in order to produce a commercial crop. Also, the host plant typically
must reach a certain physiological maturity before the fungus will fruit. When the host is a tree, this
maturation may be measured in decades. Nevertheless, highly prized morels and truffles are
mycorrhizal, and they are both now being grown commercially in many countries (NCAT 2004).
Truffles belong to the order of Pezizales, widespread filamentous ascomycetes which also include
species with exposed (epigeous) fruit bodies, such as the morels. The highest prized truffles belong to
3Truffle is a fungi fruiting body that develops underground. There are hundreds of species of truffles and some
are highly priced as a food in the international market.
4 Mycorrhizae is a symbiotic (mutually beneficial) association between some kinds of fungi and plants.


Research Briefings
Volume (1), No (18), 2011
the genus Tuber as for example the white truffle Tuber magnatum and the black Tuber melanosporum
(University of Parma Italy 2000).
Truffle hunting in the desert requires substantial ecological knowledge, as truffles occur sporadically
and only with adequate and properly distributed rainfall as well as the presence of necessary soil
conditions and mycorrhizal hosts. Truffles are hunted by looking at cracks or humps in the soil caused
by expansion of the truffles, which are then extracted with digging sticks (Trappe et. al. 2008).
Truffles of various kinds are found throughout Europe, Asia, America, Australia and Africa. Truffles
are harvested in winter, using specially trained dogs and pigs. Handlers carefully dig out the truffle,
which can be as much as 30cm below the surface. Retail prices typically range from hundreds to over
a thousand dollars per pound (Southern Woods Info Sheet 2010).
3.
Natural Habitats for Truffles
In order to complete their life cycle, they must enter into symbioses with the roots of trees, such as the
oak, poplar and willow, via specialized nutrient-gathering organs known as mycorrhizae with dense
foliage. Truffles are fungus and ectomycorrhizal that is they are found in association with plant
roots, and have a symbiotic relationship with the trees they grow under. Truffles prefer oaks, beech,
hazels or poplars, and like sun and a moist, alkaline soil. It takes 5-8 years for them to start fruiting
(Woodlands Company UK 2008).
4.
International Prices
The price of truffle varies from region to region and specie to specie and there is wide range of prices
for different species and time is also a dictating factor. The truffles in natural system are commonly
having a seasonality character. High price of truffles is due to their unpredictable growth habits. Retail
prices typically range from hundreds to over a thousand dollars per Kg. The common range of price is
between $ 5000-6000/kg.
For instance price of white truffles (Tuber Magnatum) for the year 2010 are given as $ 250000/ kg in
Italy (Anakin 2010). According to National Geographic News the price of white truffle in Italy is
reported to be $ 2600-5000/kg in the year 2005.
In Miami USA the price of White truffle is reported as 13500-22500/kg in year 2008 depending upon
the quality of truffles (CNN News 2008).
Ministry of Agriculture in France shows that in 2006-07, the production of French black truffles was
around 13 tons and average prices ranged from US $ 900-1000/kg.
Australian industry members, during a visit to France, observed wholesale prices in the range of 800 to
1500 Euros per kg (approximately AU$1350 to 2500 per kg) and confirmed that French growers
expect the pricing to remain strong, for at least a decade while supply is low and demand high (Lee
2008).
The major export market opportunities for Australia include Europe, Asia and North America due to
the counter-seasonal supply advantage. However, prices for Australian exported truffles from the
Hazel Hill truffire have been reported as achieving wholesale prices of USD$1,500-3,000 per kg
(Malajczuk and Amaranthus 2007).


Research Briefings
Volume (1), No (18), 2011
In 2006 Prices of USA for Summer Truffle are $825 US$/kg and Fresh Perigord Truffle is given as
$4,752 US$/kg. These are retail prices, and include a 100% tariff on imported truffles imposed by the
US government (Marky 2006).
5.
Prospects of Truffles in Pakistan
Truffles in Pakistan are mostly found in the spate irrigated areas of D. I. Khan and D.G. Khan. In
Pakistan farmers explain that rain water on desert land, fallow lands, and fields free from pesticides
and fertilizer provide the best basis for wild mushrooms to grow. Spate water is equally good. Spate
irrigation fields and adjacent sites, where spate water has spread once, are particularly suitable. The
Kachhi region (Balochistan) is considered among the best grounds for wild mushrooms in the country
(The Pakistan Spate Irrigation Network 2011).
Figure 1. Regions identified for Natural Mushrooms

In Pakistan there is identification of some varieties (probably white truffles) of truffles in different
areas. These are mostly spate irrigated areas and it includes, D. I. Khan, D. G. Khan, Thanabula Khan,
Bar Khan, Northern areas of Naran and Kaghan, Muree hills etc.


Research Briefings
Volume (1), No (18), 2011
Some of these areas were visited by the survey team of NR, and some instances of underground
mushrooms were found out. People at these places were interviewed in order to get information about
the usage of these underground mushrooms. The local name of this mushroom varies from place to
place. In Muree Area (Ghora Gali), local name is called Gandair. In D.I.Khan it is called zami zung
but local people in Muree just throw them away like any anything. People in Muree prefer to eat wild
mushrooms (morels). They eat morels in combination with minced meat. Some people sale the morels
in the nearby city. Some people at different places got some awareness about truffles being an
expensive food in the foreign countries; people who are aware of its value are reluctant to share the
information so they can get maximum benefit out of its sale. But those who tried to make it a business
are facing difficulty for the
identification of the species, market
identification,
meeting
export
standards etc. it is not a success up
till now as a business as there is no
prior research on underground
mushrooms. As far as local
consumption is concerned usually
people dont have any awareness of
this mushroom being a food and due
to its strange aroma they usually
through it and/or are unable to
identify it. Throughout the world the
reported host trees are mostly oak
tree, pines and hazel nuts but as far
as Pakistan case is concerned truffles
are found mostly in the fields of
Sorghum and Millet in D. I. Khan.
Figure 2: Truffles Found from the field of Sorghum and
Millet in D. I. Khan
Potential areas identified in Pakistan: Saggu, Kohawar, Shero-Kohna, Gundi Umar khan etc
are the areas where truffles are found in D.I.Khan. Moreover presence of natural mushrooms is
also reported from the areas of D. G. Khan, Thanabula Khan, Bar Khan, Noshki, Northern areas
of Narran, Kaghan, and Muree hills.
Ecologies for truffles: They are usually found in rain-fed areas within spate irrigated areas, arid
mountains and wet mountains of Pakistan. These potato shaped underground mushrooms found
in sandy-loamy soil.
Seasons for truffles: Season for truffles varies from area to area; they appear as the ecological
requirements of truffles are fulfilled. In D.I. Khan Truffles are found in September -October, or
at the ripening time of sorghum / millet crop. In Muree it is usually found after the March
Rainfall after the occurrence of lightening truffles come out of ground and appear on land and
can be picked up.
Species: There is wide variety of truffle species throughout the world. In Pakistan there are
many evidences for the presence of truffles in different areas but till now there is no
identification of species of truffles. In D. I. Khan it is commonly known as zami zung, light


Research Briefings
Volume (1), No (18), 2011
brown in color, good in taste and smell like muddy ginger. It was also found in off-white color.
It is also found in white color which resembles Italian white truffles.
Host plants: In the area of D.I. Khan the white truffles are found in the field of sorghum and
millet in large quantity. In the Muree area they were found in the roots of pine trees but the
quantity is not that sufficient.
Harvest methods: The soil bulges out showing their presence and then people pull them out. As
per local knowledge they (mushrooms) appear in the morning following the night having
maximum suffocation (humidity with no wind). While moving out early in the morning these
can be collected and first come, first take is the custom.
5.
Issues
Following risks and constraints be addressed in order to launch the production of the truffles in
Pakistan:
Education of local people in truffle areas: Consumers in Pakistan are generally not familiar
with truffles and their uses. While many chefs though out the world have an appreciation of their
value, many consumers are unfamiliar with truffles and are unable to appreciate them as a
valuable food item. People in Pakistan who are not aware of it usually throw them away being
ignorant of this highly prized food due to its sharp aroma. It is anticipated that people in the
areas of truffles must be educated about truffles so they can recognize and earn some credit.
Technical Resources and Communications: Currently people in Pakistan are collecting the
truffles at their own without any resources. Nevertheless, there is limited independent technical
expertise and resources available to the Pakistani truffle collectors as a whole. In this regard, the
need for technical support and industry communications with smaller collectors be recognized.
In this regard improved communications would support the development of local or regional
networks and enable communities to become more capable in issues e.g. cultivation.
Identification of right truffle species: As truffle industry is highly flourished throughout the
world, many species are identified yet many remained unidentified. Another serious issue is the
identification of species in Pakistan which is a complex task. As there is no research in Pakistan
carried out on in this area of mycology. How and where to get it identified is a complex
question?
No Communications: In Pakistan those who are aware of truffles and their high value price in
the world market dont let this fact to be exposed to the other people so that other may not
receive any benefits out of it, they wont let their benefits to be shared by others, for this reason
there is lack of communication and research in this area is facing difficulty. The challenge for
the industry during the phase of identification lies in coordinating and managing national
priorities.
Technical Support of Export Markets: In order to promote the production/cultivation of
truffles, export markets will need to be identified. Truffles have a shelf-life of approximately 2-3
weeks and technical protocols may need to be developed to support the integrity and value for
truffles.
Market Research and International Marketing: In Pakistan there is hardly any research on
truffles, it is highly priced food in many countries. However, it is anticipated that Pakistan
research environment is not supportive therefore there is need for assistance from foreign
countries who are involved in truffle production for identification and cultivation. Moreover it is
anticipated that the supply of Pakistani truffles will need to be exported to foreign markets. In


Research Briefings
Volume (1), No (18), 2011
this respect, the industry will need to develop capabilities for international market research and
marketing and trading in truffle commodity markets in long run.
Grower Knowledge: In Pakistan the production of truffles is natural. There are ways that can
be used to cultivate it. In order to make it happen there is a need to get collectors trained and let
them to have access to technical support and knowledge for the establishment of truffires and
the production of truffles.
Nursery Inoculation system be developed: The occurrence of truffles in Pakistan is confirmed
in many areas that mean the ecological requirement for truffles is met here. The methodology
and technology associated with the inoculation of trees is usually confidential and subject to
commercial patent and/or license in many parts of the world. There is need for the development
of nursery in Pakistan, which establish the inoculation systems for the production of trees with
Tubers or Tuber mycorrhizae and then distribute to the growers.
6.
Way Forward
Through the application of novel technology and cultivation methods, our goal is to utilize research
led systems to establish the truffle as an industry like rest of the world. The challenge for our country
to cultivate truffle lies in coordinating and managing national and international priorities. This
function needs to be conducted in such a manner, which does not impose additional administrative
costs on the economy. This will be carried out in different phases, first phase would be the
education/awareness and identification, the second phase would be cultivation and third and most
important is to find international market for launching the products of natural mushrooms. It can be
addressed by investing in further research. Research investment can support the Pakistan truffle
production in many areas like market research, Production and yield management, Quality assurance,
grading, Packaging and distribution, new product development, and Applications of new technology.
It can be made a success if research projects are funded. The successful establishment and growth of
truffle cultivation in Pakistan will bring significant benefits to rural areas, providing not only
alternative sources of income but also supporting regional communities with a new and sustainable
form of agriculture. Following are the options that if adopted can help in making it a success:
Support strategic research in agriculture to start the identification and production of natural
mushrooms and such projects should be initiated that expands the promotion and cultivation of
truffles Nationwide. As many countries are successfully cultivating truffles.
Utilization of International technology and research be made to make it a success.
Develop the independent technical skills and resources for the collectors and also in the fields of
mycology and truffle cultivation in Pakistan.
Support projects to educate collectors and other civil society stake holders not to disturb the
natural ecosystem which is conducive for the production of natural mushrooms.
Conduct export market research and market development especially for Asian markets. In
particular the research should determine price trends due to production and demand factors in
international markets.
There is a need to develop strategies to underpin future prospects for Pakistan truffles. These
strategies may include identification of areas and species, methods for cultivation, production
system, research on international markets for launching it as new product, branding, labeling,
packaging and quality standards etc.
Conduct new product development research


Research Briefings
Volume (1), No (18), 2011
Quality assurance systems for assessment and production.

Communications of technical information within local or regional collectors groups.
Need for the establishments of nurseries for inoculation of host trees.
References
1. Anakin 2010, Macaue Casino Magnate Buys Truffles for $ 330,000, Billionaire Life, Macaue.
2. GOF 2007, French black truffles, Ministry of Agriculture France.
3. Lee. B 2008, Taking Stocks of the Australian Truffle Industry, Rural Industries Research and
Development Corporation (RIRDC), RIRDC Publication No 08/124. Australia.
4. Malajczuk, N and Amaranthus, M. (2007) Cultivation of Tuber species in Australia.
Proceedings: La Culture de la Truffe dans le Monde, Brive-la Gaillarde, Feb. 2007, pp.9-18.
5. NCAT 2004, Mushroom Cultivation and Marketing, Horticulture Production Guide. National
Center for Appropriate Technology, California.
6. Oregon Garden Rediscovery and Oregon Forest Resources Institute 2005, an Oregon Garden
Guide to Truffles, Oregon, USA.
7. Southern Woods Info Sheet 22, 2010. Truffles, New Zeeland.
8. The Pakistan Spate Irrigation Network 2011, Desert Truffle Mushrooms in Spate Irrigation
Areas, Pakistan.
9. Trappe. J. M. et. al. 2008, Desert Truffles of the Australian Outback: Ecology, Ethnomycology, and Taxonomy, Journal of Economic Botany, 62(3), 2008, pp. 497506, The New
York Botanical Garden Press, Bronx, NY 10458-5126 U.S.A.
10. University of Parma 2000, What if anything is truffles? Department of Biochemistry and
Molecular Biology Italy.
11. Woodlands Company 2008, Grow Your Own Truffles, United Kingdom.
Web Links
12. http://www.markys.com/caviar/customer/product.php?productid=16606&cat=506&page=1
13. CNN News 2008
14. National Geographic News, 2005.
Acknowledgements
ThisstudywasconductedwiththehelpofvariousscientistsofPARCandbeyond,surveywasconductedin
MureeGhoraGaliwiththehelpofMr.AkhlaqKhanKakarandMr.RasheedNasir.SurveyTeamincludedMr.
Irfan Ali, Ms. Shaista Kokab, Ms. Sidra Majeed and Ms. Sumia Bint Zaman. In D. I. Khan Mr. Noman Latif
CollectedInformation.Teamishighlyindebtedtoallfortheircooperationinconductingthissurvey.


Truffles - An Unexploited

Hochgeladen von

Dokumentinformationen

Originaltitel

Copyright

Verfügbare Formate

Dieses Dokument teilen

Dokument teilen oder einbetten

Freigabeoptionen

Stufen Sie dieses Dokument als nützlich ein?

Sind diese Inhalte unangemessen?

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Truffles - An Unexploited

Hochgeladen von

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Managing Natural Resources for Sustaining Future Agriculture

Volume (1), No (18), 2011