Exploring the Microbial Diversity of Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve Forest Canopy: Experiences and Implications for Biotechnological Initiatives
, Robynne Olive S Eslit (2) , Mia Beatriz C Amoranto (3) , Ma. Louisa de Lumban (4) , Kaizen Joy B Camarinta (5) , Jaleha Mae T Pajarillo (6) , Miguel Antonio U Estacio (7) , Patricia Gael R Sastre (8) , Johnry S Maloles (9)
(1) National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH), University of the Philippines Los Banos, Philippines
(2) National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH), University of the Philippines Los Banos, Philippines
(3) National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH), University of the Philippines Los Banos, Philippines
(4) National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH), University of the Philippines Los Banos, Philippines
(5) Institute of Biological Science, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Banos
(6) Institute of Biological Science, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Banos
(7) Institute of Biological Science, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Banos
(8) Institute of Biological Science, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Banos
(9) National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH), University of the Philippines Los Banos, Philippines
Building: Java Heritage Convention
Room: Plenary Hall
Last modified: 2019-07-12
Abstract
Forest canopy science has been an active field of discipline since the early 19th century but its progress has been slow due to inaccessibility of the canopies. Upper tree canopy and ecosystems are extremely diverse, containing a wide range of plant communities, including vascular and non-vascular epiphytes, bacteria, fungi and interactions of these e.g. lichens. Bacteria and fungal communities control many important processes that dictate the maintenance and survival of tropical forests. We explored microbial diversity in the Mt Makiling Forest Reserve, an ASEAN Heritage park through functional traits of the isolates, assessed through culture-dependent methods. Collaborative efforts from experts of different fields provided a strong backbone in the struggle to reach and understand the canopy ecosystem. Molecular methods supported and strengthened biochemical characteristics of the isolates towards attaining taxonomic identity. However, the majority of microbial isolates’ sequence matches are with isolates with clinical implications. Thus, emphasizing the need to publish more about microbes on natural environments. Functional traits studied included enzyme secretion (I.e. lipase, esterase and cellulase), biofertilizer attributes (N2 fixation, P solubilization, and IAA secretion), and selectivity for particular microbial nutritional sources (methanol and carbon dioxide) with implications to climate change.
