29/05/2026
As part of the agreement with CLSU Center for Tropical Mushroom Research and Development, ERDB-CRERDEC Researchers Eugene Lucino Codis and Nicole Alexia de Castro joined the Training Workshop on Nucleotide Sequence-Based Identification of Mushrooms from May 25-27, 2026.
The training integrated comprehensive lectures with hands-on laboratory applications, enhancing our researchers' technical capabilities in utilizing DNA technologies for precise macrofungal identificationโa crucial step forward for our country's forest biodiversity conservation efforts.
We thank CLSU-CTMRD Director Dr. Rich Milton R. Dulay, Asst. Prof. Rence Marrion Pineda, Mr. John Daryl Dumaraos (Noveaulab Asia Corp.), Mr. Eduard Manzano, and Mr. John Carlo Manansala for sharing us their time and expertise during the capacity-building activity.
By bridging taxonomy and molecular science, this collaborative initiative empowers our researchers with cutting-edge tools to better document, protect, and manage the Philippines' rich mycological resources.
Thank you to CLSU-CTMRD for hosting this invaluable learning session.
MYKONEWS | CLSU-CTMRD successfully conducts a 3-Day Training Workshop on Nucleotide Sequence-Based Identification of Mushrooms
The Central Luzon State University โ Center for Tropical Mushroom Research and Development (CLSU-CTMRD) successfully conducted a three-day Training Workshop on Nucleotide Sequence-Based Identification of Mushrooms on May 25โ27, 2026. The event gathered participants from DENR-ERDB Cebu, Kalinga State University, Central Mindanao University, Manila Central University, Nueva Vizcaya State University, Benguet State University, Bulacan State University, and President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial State University.
The workshop featured a combination of lectures and hands-on laboratory activities introducing participants to nucleotide sequence-based identification of mushrooms. Dr. Rich Milton R. Dulay, Director of CLSU-CTMRD, emphasized the importance of molecular identification in mushroom research through his lecture entitled โBeyond Morphology: The Importance of Molecular Identification in Mushroom Research.โ Asst. Prof. Rence Marrion Pineda delivered lectures on nucleotide sequencing protocols, DNA extraction protocols, amplification of DNA regions via PCR, DNA barcoding, and phylogenetic analysis. Mr. John Daryl Dumaraos of Noveaulab Asia Corp. also presented their Molecular Biology Services and demonstrated DNA barcoding and primer design through an interactive laptop-based presentation.
Complementing the lectures were comprehensive laboratory activities, including DNA extraction using mushroom fruiting bodies and mycelial samples, PCR amplification of target DNA regions, and gel electrophoresis analysis. These laboratory sessions were facilitated by Mr. Eduard Manzano and cash-for-work student Mr. John Carlo Manansala, ensuring that participants gained both strong theoretical foundations and practical laboratory experience in molecular techniques used for mushroom identification.
Overall, the three-day training effectively integrated theory and application, equipping participants with essential knowledge and technical skills in nucleotide sequence-based identification of mushrooms.
