Economic possibilities and limitations of truffle mushroom cultivation through inoculation in hazelnut orchards

Truffle mushroom cultivation has emerged as a new industry due to the decrease in natural truffle populations caused by factors such as rural-to-urban migration, deforestation of natural forests, and climate change. This is also a result of the inability to meet the demand for truffles due to successful inoculation efforts over the years. The aim of this study is to examine the suitable natural conditions for truffle mushroom cultivation and discuss the economic aspects of the truffle mushroom industry, as well as to discuss the appropriate methods for truffle mushroom cultivation in Turkey. Additionally, the study aims to compare the establishment costs and profitability rates of a truffle mushroom garden created using grafted oak saplings and a truffle mushroom garden created by spore inoculation of mature hazelnut orchards with truffle mushroom (Tuber aestivum), in order to identify the economic possibilities and limitations of hazelnut and truffle mushroom dual production. The primary material for this research was collected through the secondary data compilation method. After determining the suitable conditions and methods for truffle mushroom cultivation in Turkey through the secondary data compilation method, the Feasibility Report and Investor Guide for Truffle Mushroom Garden Projects published by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry General Directorate of Forestry (2020) were brought up to date using compound interest method with the use of TURKSTAT (Turkish Statistical Institute) data. By utilizing the literature and market research, the costs for the necessary grafting material for truffle mushroom inoculation in mature hazelnut orchards were determined, and the truffle mushroom garden establishments created by two different methods were analysed in terms of establishment and profitability through a comparative method. As a result of the study, it was evaluated that the hazelnut project had a lower initial investment cost compared to the oak project, thus reaching the break-even point in a shorter period of time. Consequently, it was considered that the cash flow method is easier and more profitable due to the advantages of hazelnut and truffle mushroom dual production. It is recommended to conduct an economic feasibility study that considers hazelnut and truffle mushroom dual production as a single enterprise. Keywords: Truffle mushroom, Truffle cultivation, Truffle market, Economic aspects of truffle cultivation