Bonito lab scores the cover of the journal Mycologia with the discovery of new truffle species
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EmailNew paper in leading journal lead by undergraduate researcher Alassane Sow and co-authors Bryan Rennick and Jud Van Wyk in PSM.
Bonito lab scores the cover of the journal Mycologia with the discovery of two new truffle species, in a paper lead by undergraduate researcher Alassane Sow with co-authors Bryan Rennick and Jud Van Wyk from PSM, Randy Beaudry in Horticulture, as well as Ben Lemmond, Rosanne Healy and Matthew Smith from University of Florida, Gainesville, and Lois Martin and Margaret Townsend – whose dogs unearthed these truffles.
In this paper, the research team describes two new and significant species of truffle Tuber canirevelatum and Tuber cumberlandense, discovered with the help of truffle dogs.
Alassane has been working with the Bonito lab throughout much of his undergraduate experience as a Microbiology and Molecular Genetics major, and will be graduating this December with some impressive accolades and credentials that includes numerous awards and four peer-reviewed publication.
“I did this because I was excited for the opportunity to describe and name a new species,” Alassane said. “I also like working with Lois Martin a lot. Her truffle dog Monza found the species, T. canirevelatum, pictured in the cover image. I also really love the writing process because it feels nice to work on one thing for months and step back and see what I've made. Making the figures is always very fun because I can gain some experience in graphic design and mix art and science.”
“These are two new truffles with economic potential”, says Greg Bonito. “One of the species is already sold commercially, and attempts are being made to cultivate it on white oak by the whiskey company Makers Mark.”
As well, Greg is excited for Alassane “An undergraduate researcher leading this cross-University (MSU, UF) and cross-department (Bonito -PSM/ Beaudry Horticulture) collaboration is an impressive feat, quite uncommon.”
Here at MSU, in collaboration with Randy Beaudry in horticulture, the team characterized the unique fingerprint of volatile organic compounds emitted by these new truffle species, which is responsible for the appeal and economic value of truffle fungi.
As thrilling as it has been, Alassane is looking forward to some downtime with family. “My favorite part of being at MSU has been working in the Bonito Lab because it has introduced me to some of my greatest friends and opened a lot of doors for me.”
This research was supported through US National Science Foundation grant DEB-1946445 “Evolution of truffles, morels, and relatives (Pezizales) and their interactions with animals, plants, and bacteria”.
Dr. Randy Beaudry (left) and graduate student Jud Van Wyk prepare truffles for volatile analysis via gas chromatography.
Alassane Sow, Benjamin Lemmond, Bryan Rennick, Judson Van Wyk, Lois Martin, Margaret Townsend, Arthur Grupe, Randolph Beaudry, Rosanne Healy, Matthew E. Smith & Gregory Bonito
