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.
In this paper, the research team describes two new and significant species of truffle Tuber canirevelatum and Tuber cumberlandense, which were 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 credentials and accolades that include four peer-reviewed publications.
“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 found the species, T. canirevelatum, 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 to me 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 big news, and quite uncommon.”
Here at MSU, in collaboration with Randy Beaudry in horticulture, the team characterized the unique fingerprint of volatile organic compounds emitted by the truffles, 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.”
Alassane Sow, Benjamin Lemmond, Bryan Rennick, Judson Van Wyk, Lois Martin, Margaret Townsend, Arthur Grupe, Randolph Beaudry, Rosanne Healy, Matthew E. Smith & Gregory Bonito
