Philippine Journal of Science
151 (2): 643-654, April 2022
ISSN 0031 – 7683
Date Received: 28 Sep 2021

Bacterial Composition of Scotophilus kuhlii Guano
from Plant Roost around Rice Farms
in South-central Mindanao, Philippines

Cromwel M. Jumao-as*, John Aries G. Tabora, and Ma. Teodora N. Cabasan

Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics,
University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, North Cotabato 9407 Philippines

*Corresponding author:
cmjumaoas@usm.edu.ph; cromweljumaoas1@gmail.com

 

[Download]
Jumao-as C et al. 2022. Bacterial Composition of Scotophilus kuhlii Guano from Plant Roost around Rice Farms
in South-central Mindanao, Philippines. Philipp J Sci 151(2): 643–654. https://doi.org/10.56899/151.02.07

 

ABSTRACT

Conventional farming relies on the heavy application of synthetic agrochemicals, especially fertilizers. Thus, the search for an alternative sustainable source of safe agricultural inputs is imperative. Bat guano is an organic material that improves plant growth due to its rich chemical content and associated beneficial microorganisms. However, farmers still have a negative perception towards its utilization due to its associated microbiological hazards and limited supply. This study was conducted to determine the bacterial composition of guano produced by Scotophilus kuhlii to elucidate the potential benefits and hazards it poses when utilized as a soil amendment. The bacterial composition of a 24-h-old guano was investigated by sequencing the amplified 16S rRNA gene under Illumina MiSeq 250 PE system. A total of 78,670 valid DNA reads were obtained and clustered to 196 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Eight bacterial phyla were identified dominated by Proteobacteria (40.52%), Bacteroidetes (21.43%), Actinobacteria (21.15%), and Firmicutes (16.58%). Under these phyla, 85 genera were identified dominated by Acinetobacter (32.16%), Sphingobacterium (12.94%), and Glutamicibacter (12.25%). Among all generated OTUs, 39 species were identified dominated by Dietzia cinnamea (19.91%), Spingobacterium multivorum (14.65%), Acinetobacter variabilis (14.57%), and Enterococcus faecalis (13.51%). The study revealed that guano of S. kuhlii harbors a diverse bacterial community, which could be a determinant of its usability as an organic soil amendment. Despite the presence of plantgrowth promoters and biodegraders of hazardous environmental contaminants, the abundance of Proteobacteria indicates a high number of pathogenic species in the fresh guano. The results suggest the importance of crafting safety guidelines and protocols for guano processing that apply to small-scale farming to maximize the agricultural benefits of guano while reducing the risks imposed by its associated pathogenic bacteria.