Desert Truffles: Phylogeny, Physiology, Distribution And Domestication (Hb 2014) Hardcover

Desert truffles, unlike their "true" truffle relatives, thrive in diverse arid environments globally, from cool to hot deserts and various soil types, with limited water being the primary shared condition. Evolving independently across different families within the Pezizales order, these truffles have a history of traditional consumption in some dry regions, but interest in them has surged recently due to their nutritional value, potential as a source of income, and for scientific research. This book provides a thorough examination of desert truffles, covering their evolutionary history, biological characteristics, symbiotic relationships with plant roots (mycorrhizal associations), geographic distribution, traditional and modern uses, biochemical composition, medicinal properties, and the efforts being made towards their domestication and cultivation in places like Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India, and other arid regions.