Distinguishing the Périgord black truffle from the winter truffle and other look-alikes in the laboratory and field

If countries in the Southern Hemisphere are to become serious exporters of Périgord black truffle for Northern Hemisphere, out-of-season markets they will need to be able to produce a consistent supply of good quality truffles. This will require a well established method of ensuring the quality of the truffle and the development of large areas of productive truffières preferably free of other species of truffle that might be confused with the Périgord black truffle. This report presents information on the characteristics and identification of Périgord black truffles and species that can be confused with them.