DNA barcoding of freshwater gastropods found in the upstream of Jalaur River in Barangay Garangan, Calinog, Central Philippines

DANIELLE THERESE F. CASTILLO, FRELEAN FAITH M. ENGALLADO, AIRAH CLARISSE G. HABUYO, CATHERINE JOY A. MEDIODIA, and ANDREA LUCYLE M. BELA-ONG

Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHSWVC), Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines

Abstract

Multiple species of gastropods can be found in the Jalaur River which encompasses almost the entire province of Iloilo. However, the identification of these species can be challenging with their complex morphology. DNA barcoding using the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene was performed to accurately identify and classify the organisms of Class Gastropoda. Through phylogenetic analysis, one sample was identified to be Pomacea canaliculata while the remaining four samples remained unidentified due to unrepresented taxa in the GenBank. This shows a lack of available information about the organisms found in the Jalaur River as nucleotide sequences of these species have not been provided to public databases. With this, further research must be done to know more about the species found in Jalaur River and their conservation status. It is recommended to maintain the storage condition of samples to prevent DNA degradation. PCR conditions should also be adjusted to achieve optimal results.

Keywords: DNA, DNA barcoding, COI gene, freshwater gastropods, Jalaur River

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