The DNA Learning Center (DNALC) Nigeria has drawn international attention with its advanced research on mushroom species in Southeastern Nigeria. At the recently concluded 30th Annual Conference and Bio-Entrepreneurship Workshop organized by the Foundation for African Development through International Biotechnology (FADIB), DNALC made a significant presentation on the topic: Molecular Characterization of Mushroom Species in Southeastern Nigeria Using DNA Barcoding.

Lydia Itodo, Instructor II at DNALC, delivered the presentation, emphasizing that DNA barcoding has become an essential molecular tool for species identification. This approach addresses the limitations of traditional taxonomic methods, offering more precise and reliable results.

“In this study, we applied DNA barcoding to identify various mushroom species in the diverse ecological landscapes of southeastern Nigeria, particularly in Enugu and Ebonyi states,” Itodo stated. “Fungi play vital roles in plant, animal, and human health, as well as in maintaining ecological balance. Accurate species identification is essential for harnessing their nutritional and medicinal values while also monitoring their distribution over time.”

The research utilized the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rRNA gene to generate ITS barcodes for 71 representative mushroom samples, using fungal-specific primers (ITS1 and ITS4). After sequencing and BLAST analysis, 64 samples were successfully identified at the species level, with Lentinus squarrosulus and Neonothopanus hygrophanus emerging as the most abundant species.

This study underscores the significance of DNA barcoding in mushroom taxonomy and its broader implications for biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource utilization, and ecological monitoring.

Conference Highlights

The 30th Annual Conference and Bio-Entrepreneurship Workshop took place from March 4th to 7th, 2025, at the Bioprocess Building, Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

With the theme: ‘From the Bench to the Industries: Biotechnology as a Tool for Bio-Entrepreneurship Development in Today’s Nigeria’, the conference aimed to bring together experts, researchers, and stakeholders to explore the latest advancements and innovations in biotechnology. A key focus was on the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in biotechnology.

The event attracted distinguished guests, including the Honorable Commissioner for Science and Technology, Enugu State, Engr. Prince Lawrence Eze, and the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Oguejiofor Ujam, who is the Chief Host. Also in attendance was Prof. Chukwunweike Ogbo, Director of the Biotechnology Research Center at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, who delivered the keynote address.

DNALC’s Participation

The DNALC team was actively engaged in the conference, attending the opening ceremony and plenary sessions on Wednesday, March 5th. Led by Lead Instructor and Coordinator of Workshop/Training, Florence Mgbodile, the team included Dr. Charles Uba, the Coordinator of Research, and other key members of staff.

Their participation and research presentation reinforced DNALC’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in Nigeria and beyond. The institution’s innovative work in DNA barcoding and biotechnology continues to make strides in research, education, and sustainable applications for Nigeria’s biodiversity.

With increasing global recognition, the DNA Learning Center Nigeria remains at the forefront of groundbreaking scientific exploration, pushing the boundaries of knowledge in biotechnology and molecular research.