With the advent of promising truffle cultivation techniques, there are many new truffle plantations (truffiere) being established and managed throughout the world; one of the biggest challenges these plantations face is weed management. There is little known about the impact popular herbicides have on truffle mycelial growth. Here, I discuss how the use of herbicides in management may impact mycelial growth. Pure culture growth assays were performed to assess the impacts glyphosate and glufosinate chemistries on three species of truffle, two species of morels, and two members of the Mortierellaceae. While there were variable responses by each species tested, most fungi experienced growth inhibition near or above the manufacturer's recommended application rates for general weed use.I also assess how introducing exotic truffle species, local ectomycorrhizal species, and commercial mycorrhizal inoculants in post-methyl bromide fumigated bare-root conifer tree nursery impacts seedling growth. To test whether inoculum benefits seedling health and growth, exotic, and commercial ectomycorrhizal inoculua were added at the time of planting for three species of conifer. The results showed a high mycorrhizal diversity on bare-root seedling roots, which generally differed from those of the added inoculum. Additionally, there were no growth or health improvements over uninoculated control blocks compared to treatment blocks.Finally, I will showcase the taxonomic discovery of a new species of truffle native to Michigan, Tuber rugosum. Also, observing slug fungivory of this new truffle led to an improved ascus technique for performing scanning electron microscopy of truffle spores. Collectively, this thesis aims to inform herbicide use in myco-agricultural lands, to inform the use of added mycorrhizal inoculants in bare-root conifer tree nurseries, and to improve our knowledge on Michigan's native truffle species.
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