Research & Development
During the past
nine years, a number of PTT’s
research and development projects have been funded by the Rural Industries
Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) under the 'new plant products'
program. When the research program ended in mid 2003, RIRDC had injected $300,000 into PTT's truffle
research projects.
Our major research efforts included:
- Study tours of France
- Post-graduate study
- Plant nutrition trials
- Irrigation trials
- Truffle conferences
Study Tours of France
The chairmen of PTT have made regular trips to France to meet with truffle scientists and leading truffle producers. The objective of these visits was to discuss all aspects of the management systems employed in French truffières. Invaluable time was also spent in one of the larger truffle factories in the Perigord region where we gained a sound knowledge of the post harvest handling of fresh truffles, particularly with respect to cleaning, grading and packaging.
Post-Graduate Study
In 1994, PTT and RIRDC offered a PhD
scholarship for an investigation into the factors affecting the establishment
and proliferation of Tuber melanosporum in Tasmania. This research program was completed in early 1998. The primary area of investigation
was on competition between T. melanosporum and other ectomycorrhizal
fungi found in Tasmania. In particular, the student (Daryl Brown) focussed on
the effects of applied lime and phosphorus on competition.
Plant Nutrition Trials
Field trials have been conducted on the effects of various plant nutrition treatments on tree growth and truffle production.
Irrigation Trials
Irrigation
trials have been established to provide further information to growers on soil
moisture management. These trials are also looking at the effects of different
irrigation regimes on the level of mycorrhization and ultimately on truffle
yield.
Truffle Conferences
Dr Daryl Brown presented a paper on the production of French black truffles in Tasmania at the Fifth International Congress on the Science and Cultivation of Truffles in Aix en Provence, France. This conference was an excellent opportunity to gain information on the latest research in truffle production.