Moroccan truffles: the geographical distribution of truffles and desert truffles and their productivity

Abstract

Truffles are an important natural resource for the rural economy in Morocco and can play an important role in relieving pressure on forest and pastoral resources. However, there is a lack of knowledge of their geographical distribution and as well as their productivity. A documentary analysis, field surveys, interviews and workshops with resource persons and forest and agricultural managers across the country have made it possible to draw up an inventory of existing species, their geographical distribution maps and productivity. Morocco has ten species of desert truffles of the genera Terfezia, Tirmania, Delastria, Picoa and Tuber, widespread in four main truffle areas: the forest of Maâmora, the Sahel of Doukkala-Abda, the North-East region and the Moroccan Sahara. Productivities are also variable between zones and within zones. They are influenced by the nature of the soil and the distribution of precipitation. The results obtained in cartographic form, a map of the geographical distribution of truffles and a productivity map, constitute a first step towards understanding the truffle potential and improving decision-making for the valuation of Moroccan truffles.

 Keywords: Truffles, Desert truffles, Truffle areas, Oriental, Maâmora, Doukkala-Abda, Sahara, Morocco truffle