BukSU BGH collaborate with local, int’l partners on a Bryology seminar-workshop

MALAYBALAY CITY – Bukidnon State University’s – Botanical Gardens and Herbarium collaborated with local and international partners to discuss the fascinating field of bryophytes on a seminar-workshop on Bryology held at the BukSU Mini-theater on July 24, 2023.

BukSU hosted the seminar together with the Central Mindanao University’s Center for Biodiversity Research and Extension in Mindanao (CEBREM). It was also supported by international partners, namely: the National Science Foundation, the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT), the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, the California Academy of Sciences, and the Missouri Botanical Garden.

The said activity aimed to share and understand the features of bryophytes and their evolution, to ascertain bryophyte collection techniques, to produce an online database of bryophytes, and to orient the participants on the role of herbarium specimens in the Herbarium.

University President Dr. Joy M. Mirasol and the office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs headed by Dr. Hazel Jean M. Abejuela extended their full support in the said seminar-workshop. 

Dr. Victor B. Amoroso, the Central Mindanao University Professor Emeritus, virtually welcomed the guests and participants and delivered the rationale and program flow.

Faculty from the BukSU College of Arts and Sciences-Natural Sciences Department, selected BukSU BS Biology students, CMU, USEP representatives and graduate students of the PhD SE Bio program also took part in the seminar-workshop.

Dr. Brent Mishler from the University of California, Berkeley, USA discussed the Introduction to bryophytes through a virtual presentation. He also shared his knowledge and studies about the major features of the evolution of bryophytes.

Mr. James Shevock, Research Associate from the California Academy of Sciences, USA talked about his expertise in bryophyte inventory and collection techniques. His actual botanical research explorations in Mindanao Island were also shared to all the participants.

Dr. John C. Brinda, Assistant Scientist at the Missouri Botanical Garden, USA discussed the data management and the making of herbarium labels. He brought the discussion into how important record keeping is, keeping notes during bryophyte collection or identification, and the essence of a database for all the collected specimens.

Dr. Lesley C. Lubos, Botanical Gardens and Herbarium Director and resident Bryologist shared the importance and the role of herbarium specimens in the Herbarium. He pointed out how vital the Herbarium will be in the future studies of scientists, researches, plant enthusiasts, and BukSU students in Biology.

The workshop proceeded in the BukSU BGH Scientific Lecture Room. Participants were formed into groups and taught by the acclaimed speakers in regards to the topics of finding bryophytes, identifying bryophytes, keeping records of bryophytes, collection methods, tools, and resources that can help in bryophyte studies. Participants were delighted with the detailed teachings of the experts, which broadened their horizons of learning. After the workshop, guests and participants visited the Botanical Gardens before going back to the Mini-theater. The program concluded with the awarding of certificates to the distinguished speakers and participants. Ms. Marites M. Egar, BGH Head for Management Staff, delivered her closing remarks and gave her utmost gratitude to the BukSU officials for their unending support to the BGH and also extended her thanks to all the participants present in the Seminar-Workshop. (With a report from Botanical Gardens and Herbarium)