A NEWLY identified fungal genus now bears the name of UST mycologist Prof. Irineo Dogma Jr., placing the veteran scientist among the few researchers recognized in taxonomy through organisms named after them.
The genus Dogmamyces, described in a 2024 study published in Mycological Progress, was identified through phylogenetic analyses of fungal samples and named in recognition of Dogma’s decades of research on zoosporic fungi.
The study identified two new genera and three new species within Cladochytriales, a group of chytrid fungi that break down organic matter in aquatic and soil environments.
Researchers found fungal strains that did not belong to any existing genus, leading to the identification of Dogmamyces elongatus and Allochytrium aureum, both strongly supported by DNA evidence.
The naming of Dogmamyces marks the second genus named after Dogma. The first, Irineochytrium, was named earlier in recognition of his foundational contributions to fungal taxonomy and systematics.
Naming a genus after a scientist is considered one of the highest recognitions in taxonomy, signifying the scientific community’s acknowledgment of a researcher’s lasting contributions.
For Asst. Prof. Reuel Bennett, chair of the UST Department of Biological Sciences and a former student of Dogma, the distinction ensures the mycologist’s legacy will remain embedded in scientific literature.
“The fact that he was recognized already twice — Irineochytrium, Dogmamyces, and several epithets after him — that simply means you are the authority, bar none,” Bennett told the Varsitarian.
Bennett said the international scientific community had long acknowledged Dogma’s foundational contributions to mycology, even as the scientist himself avoided formal recognition.
Foundation of Philippine chytrid research
Dogma began his research on chytrid fungi at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, where he studied agriculture and plant pathology before earning his doctorate from the University of Michigan under renowned mycologist Frederick Sparrow, an authority on aquatic phycomycetes and zoosporic fungi.
After returning to the Philippines, Dogma documented and described numerous chytrid species and authored Philippine Zoosporic Fungi, a reference work that remains foundational in the field.
“He was able to discover several species, report chytrids dito sa Philippines, and he was able to write ‘yung tinatawag nating Philippine Zoosporic Fungi,” Bennett said.
“Up until now, wala pang nakakagawa nun. Kahit ‘yung mga naging estudyante niya, or colleagues niya, or kahit ako, hindi ko pa rin nagagawa ‘yung level na nagawa or na-contribute ni Sir (Dogma).”
Chytrids are microscopic fungi, often smaller than common molds, making them difficult organisms to study.
A lasting scientific legacy
According to Bennett, the mycologist emphasized field exploration rather than reliance on preserved laboratory specimens.
“Siya ‘yung nagtuturo sa amin na wag kang mag-rely sa mga preserved specimens. Ikaw [dapat] ‘yung mag-explore,” he said.
Bennett continues to apply this approach in teaching microbiology by encouraging students to collect soil samples and observe microorganisms firsthand.
Dogma also conducted much of his research at a time when scientific resources were limited. According to Bennett, the mycologist painstakingly observed organisms for long periods and illustrated them by hand to describe new species.
Despite his scientific stature, Bennett described Dogma as a humble and disciplined teacher who focused on mentoring students rather than seeking recognition.
“Hindi man siya nabigyan ng physical awards, that’s the award that merits Irineo Dogma. That’s one of the highest forms of respect the scientific community can attribute to a person — not the awards, the money, or the medal.” Nyl R. Dadiz
