The objective of the study was to develop methods for the specific and rapid identification of Tuber spp. to aid ecological and taxonomical investigations of Tuber spp. and ectomycorrhizal fungi in general. Antisera raised against Tuber melanosporum, T. magnatum, Boletus edulis and Tricholoma matsutake and monoclonal antibodies produced against T. melanosporum were used to develop various immunological assays such as ELISA, Dot-blot and Western blot. A simple squash Dot-blot was used to visualize mycorrhizal infection of inoculated host plants grown in tube cultures and experimental truffières.

Most antisera reacted strongly with homologous antigens from ascomata or mycelia and mycorrhizal root-tips. Their specificity allowed differentiation between Tuber spp. and other ectomycorrhizal fungi. Differentiation among Tuber spp. was possible by Western blot but not by ELISA or Dot-blot assay. The results suggested that specificity of the antisera was confined to genus level. In two cases specificity was increased by absorption with cross-reactive antigens.

Eleven monoclonal antibodies were produced against T. melanosporum. Two were directed against proteinaceous material, the others probably against various carbohydrate determinants. Unfortunately they could not be used for differentially recognizing T. melanosporum as they all cross-reacted at least with extracts of four other ectomycorrhizal fungi.