Celebrating Western Australia’s truffle industry & the latest developments

Expanding Australia’s Truffle Cultivation via New Truffle Species Hosted on New Truffle Host Trees. Join Murdoch University and Silverplace Pty Ltd for a special event celebrating the latest developments in Western Australia’s truffle industry. The event marks the completion of the Future Food Systems Cooperative Research Centre (FFSCRC) PhD project: Expanding Australia’s Truffle Cultivation via New Truffle Species Hosted on New Truffle Host Trees. The morning program will bring together researchers, industry representatives and other stakeholders to explore the latest research and developments in truffle cultivation, new truffle species, host trees, orchard production and future opportunities for the WA truffle industry. Event Details Date: Wednesday, 25 November 2026 Time: 8:30 AM – 5:15 PM Morning venue: Rosemary Van den Berg Room (360.4.003), Boola Katitjin, Murdoch University, 90 South St Murdoch Tickets: $100 / $150 (see options below) Please choose one of the following ticket options: OPTION A – Seminar & Networking Lunch | $100 Includes: • Morning seminar and presentations • Networking with researchers, industry representatives and other guests • Lunch Program: • 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Seminar and presentations • 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Networking lunch OPTION B – Full Experience: Seminar, Lunch & Orchard Visit | $150 Includes everything in Option A, plus: • Bus transport to and from Whitby Falls Experimental Truffle Orchard • Guided orchard visit • Opportunity to see the truffle trial sites and new host tree varieties • Discussion about future truffle production and extended harvest seasons Event program Program: • 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Seminar and presentations • 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Networking lunch • 1:30 PM: Depart by bus for Whitby Falls Orchard • 2:00 PM: Orchard visit and tour • 5:15 PM: Return to Murdoch University (Please note: The orchard visit is approximately 35 minutes from the main Murdoch University campus. Places on the bus are limited) What You Will Hear About The seminar will cover the latest developments in WA’s truffle industry, including: World-leading truffle research Professor Treena Burgess & Professor Alessandra Zambonelli Research into truffle mycology, nursery biosecurity, eDNA and root colonisation, including collaboration between Murdoch University and the University of Bologna. New truffle species and host trees Dr Mahesh Galapaththi Findings from the FFSCRC PhD project, including the cultivation of new truffle species such as Tuber borchii and Tuber aestivum and their interaction with different host tree species. From orchard to market Gavin Booth & Adam Wilson Practical insights into orchard establishment, commercial production and the potential to extend WA’s truffle harvest season through new truffle species. Agribusiness and forestry opportunities Dr James Krahe & Dr Mark McHenry Exploring opportunities for truffle production alongside forestry, including the use of Pinus radiata and Pinus pinaster, as well as potential regional economic and agritourism opportunities. About the Project The FFSCRC project is investigating new opportunities to expand Australia’s truffle industry by introducing new truffle species and exploring new host trees. Research trials in Western Australia are helping to investigate whether different truffle species can extend the traditional winter harvest period and create opportunities for production during other times of the year. Registration RSVP and payment deadline: 9 November 2026 Places are limited, particularly for the orchard visit and bus transport. Early registration is recommended.