Bioecology of desert truffles in the province of Figuig in Eastern Morocco

Summary Background: The phytosociology, host plant and diversity of dessert truffles in northeastern Morocco are very little known worldwide. Objective: To evaluate some general and specific parameters of phytosociology, host plant and diversity of desert truffles in eastern Morocco. Methods: Ten pilot productive sites located in the province of Figuig, Morocco were evaluated. Soil characteristics were evaluated and host plants and species of truffles were identified under field conditions. Results and conclusion: Phytosociological results revealed the abundance of the herbaceous Helianthemum ledifolium as dominant host plant in eight sites in Abbou Lakhal and Bni Guil. Meanwhile, the perennial Helianthemum lippii dominated two sites in the Northwestern part of the study area. The truffles Tirmania nivea, Tirmania pinoyi, Terfezia claveryi, Terfezia boudieri and Picoa juniperi were identified in the studied areas. Species of the genus Tirmania were abundant in Bni Guil and those belonging to the genus Terfezia dominated in Abou Lakhal. The genus Picoa was identified only in one site. This works shows that the host plants and the climatic conditions influence the distribution of desert truffles in eastern Morocco.