Evaluation of Pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] Cultivars for Possible Cultivation for Both Fruit and Truffle Production in the Puglia Region, Southeastern Italy

Yield and different nut parameters were measured for two growing seasons on mature (28–29 years) trees of 11 pecan cultivars grown in an experimental orchard located the Puglia Region, Southeastern Italy. ‘Shoshoni’ ‘Shawnee’ seedlings inoculated with three truffle species (Tuber borchii—known as ‘whitish truffle’, T. aestivum—called ‘summer melanosporum—the common ‘Black truffle’) investigated six months. The level ectomycorrhizal colonization was assessed 6 12 months after inoculation. Results indicated that ‘Wichita’, ‘Shoshoni’, ‘Pawnee’ performed well pedoclimatic conditions area a yield higher than 20 kg/tree kernel dry weight ≅3 g. These preliminary results suggested some could deserve consideration cultivation whereas others low stronger alternate bearing should not be considered. Plant height, number leaves, chlorophyll content (expressed SPAD unit) stem diameter partially increase ecological fitness truffles-inoculated plants. Successful mycorrhization suitable to establish symbiosis aestivum, borchii, melanosporum under climatic conditions. also showed applied protocol adequate obtain healthy mycorrhized appropriate commercialization plantation truffles production future.