Chapter 12 - Culture collections and herbaria: Diverse roles in mycological research in the Philippines

Abstract

Microbial culture collections (MCC) and mycological herbaria as biological resource centers (BRCs) play a vital role in mycological research in the Philippines. These BRCs serve as biological libraries and repositories of fungal cultures and specimens used as reference for appreciation of the diversity and applications of fungi through research, instruction, and extension as well as its industrial and biotechnological contributions. Philippine MCCs preserve and maintain viable fungal cultures employing combined short- and long-term preservation methods and manage information through globally recognized database management systems. Since 1965, MCCs in the country have grown and continue to contribute to the advancement of science and technology in the country; strengthen linkages and networking among MCCs through local and international MCC networks in harmonizing practices in management of MCCs with focus on biosafety and biosecurity; cope up with the challenges for the sustainability of MCCs; and make the most of the opportunities to collaborate with and among MCCs. Mycological herbarium like the botanical herbarium for the plants serves as a repository of preserved fungi in the form of pressed and dried fungal specimens mounted on a sheet of paper or placed in paper packets or jars with alcohol, formalin, or glycerin. Mycological herbarium in the country maintains fungi collected since the 16th century by European and American and Filipino mycologists. MCC and Mycological Herbarium, which are mostly academic-based, despite its limitation in numbers and the enormous challenges for their sustainability, will be steadfast in their commitment to provide fungal cultures and dried specimens and related data in support of research, education, and biotechnological applications. These BRCS will support the conservation of our fungal resources, the generation of quality research, the advancement of science, and equitable sharing in the country's development.