The Molecular Ecology and Systematics Laboratory (MESLab) is a research-oriented laboratory under the Ecology and Taxonomy Academic Group and the Genetics Academic Group of the Institute of Biology, University of the Philippines – Diliman. Established in 2012, the laboratory conducts ecological and taxonomic research on forest floras, primarily focusing on long-term dynamics on native tree communities. The facility mainly conducts DNA Barcoding and phenological surveys to achieve research goals. Currently, the laboratory conducts research on the DNA Barcoding of native flora, seed phenology and seed-seedling dynamics of various forest dynamic plots. Past and present funding includes CHED, DENR-BMB, OVCRE, OVPAA, DOST-PCAARRD and DOST-PCIEERD.
Jessica D. Rey, Ph.D. (Group Head)
Assistant Professor 7
Ph.D. Genetics
Molecular Plant GeneticsCharles Anthon E. Cardona, Ph.D. Candidate
Science Research Specialist IIVonette Joi B. Padilla, M.Sc.
University Research Associate IJuris Marie G. Garcia
Science Research AnalystMeradel B. Lim Suan
Science Research AnalystMary Grace M. Burgos
Science Research AnalystGraduate Students:
Cadorna, Charles Anthon E.
Nimanthika, Jayani
Magat, Monaliza B.Molecular Ecology and Systematics Laboratory
Nursery of Indigenous Endemic Plants
Current Projects
- Project 3: Establishment of Soilless Culture Technology for Urban Food Production
- Project 4: Ex-Situ Conservation Through Micropropagation Cryopreservation of Native Plant Species
- DNA Extraction, PCR Amplification, and DNA Barcoding of Plants
- Phylogenetic Analysis
- Hydroponics
- WJ Nimanthika, KSI Senevirathne, HMIC Ruwanthika, ISA Koralage, JD Rey. 2019. Bio-surveillance of economically important insect pests in a mixed-crop agriculture system: insights from DNA barcodes. Philippine Journal of Crop Science, 44 (3):93-116