Partner: Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM)
period: 2012 – 2024
acknowledgements: Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank, 925486
Abstract
Truffles are regarded as delicacies all over the world. However, only few can afford. The price mainly is driven by the laborious harvesting method. Thoroughly trained sniffer dogs relatively ineffectively try to find the truffles in the ground. The present project aims to the development of an innovative electronic truffle detector and tries to offer an affordable and effective instrument for truffle harvesting. The scientific approach is to reliably detect the ultraviolet light emission of the seasoned truffle’s odor signature ((CH3)2S) while exposed to ozone. An inexpensive method of truffle harvesting would allow forest owners a more sustainable forest cultivation. Today the only means of income is the sales of wood. If additionally truffles could be easily harvested and sold, this would allow a more eco friendly cultivation of the threes, not only focussing on fast growing and well selling wood.