WPTRC | Research
WPTRC | Research
WPTRC | Research
The Western Pacific Tropical Research Center is the research arm of CNAS. WPTRC scientists explore topics that are germane to the wellbeing of the environment and people throughout the region. This includes research encompassing tropical agriculture, aquaculture, invasive species, plant pathology, protecting native plants, soil health and more.
Major funding for WPTRC research is provided through the Hatch, multistate Hatch, and McIntire Stennis programs administered by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the government of Guam. Additional funding comes from the National Science Foundation, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), USDA Forest Service, The US Department of Defense, and the private sector.
The Western Pacific Tropical Research Center concentrates on applied research that directly impacts agriculture in Guam, as well as in other tropical areas. Current areas of specialization are soils, horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, turf grass, human nutrition, aquaculture and forestry.
Research laboratories are located at the University main campus and in Yigo with three field research facilities located in areas representing the different soil types of Guam: Yigo, Inarajan, and Ija. WPTRC has collaborative research programs with several land-grant universities in the western United States, the College of Micronesia, the College of the Northern Marianas, the American Samoa Community College, and several international research centers. Most of the research projects are designed to have direct application to Guam, Micronesia, and other areas of the Western Pacific region, and the tropics in general.
In addition to concentrating on research, the Western Pacific Tropical Research Center faculty teach undergraduate courses in Agriculture and Life Sciences, graduate courses in Sustainable Agriculture, Food, Nutrition and Natural Resources, and Environmental Science. Through their classes, WPTRC scientists provide innovative research experiences to graduate students.
WPTRC News & Announcements
Since the September 2018 release of the revised edition of Trees and Shrubs of the Mariana Islands, many people have expressed their appreciation in having an accessible reference
for plants in the region. The CHamoru District Boy Scouts of America used the book
to identify native and toxic plants during a scavenger hunt held in the historic village
of Hagåtña last December.
“As part of rank advancement, the boys need to learn to identify at least 10 local
plants and have an understanding of the dangers of hazardous plants. These requirements
have been a significant challenge because there are not many people available who
can take boys on tours to show them the plants. It is books like yours that make
the challenge much easier,” said Roy Tsutsui, Boy Scouts volunteer.
Originally published in 1991 by former University of Guam professor, the late Lynn
Raulerson, and science educator Agnes F. Reinhart, the book has been out of print
for years. “The College of Natural & Applied Science (CNAS), with permission from
Reinhart, decided to revise and update the nomenclature and photographs. We are gratified
to hear that the Boy Scouts have put it to good use,” said Lee Yudin, dean of CNAS.
Tsutsui is a UOG alumnus and Dr. Raulerson was one of his main professors. He credits her with teaching him everything he knows about plants. During his studies he also had a part time job at the Guam Herbarium, curated by Raulerson during her years at UOG. Tsutsui worked on collecting and processing plants from Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for leukemia research.
Administration
Lee S. Yudin, Dean & Director
(671) 735-2002
Adrian Ares, Associate Director
(671) 735-2004
WPTRC Student Success
A University of Guam graduate student in the Sustainable Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources program took an important step in his future career by presenting his research, networking with others in the field, and learning about current trends and issues at the Soil Science Society of America conference held Jan. 6–9 in San Diego.
“This was my first time traveling to an annual conference that deals with my field of study — soil sciences,” said Chieriel Desamito. “The most valuable aspect of attending was being able to build my knowledge on soils from around the world.”
Under the theme “Soils Across Latitudes,” the conference invited researchers from various climates to present on soil issues in different environments and on soil issues related to climate change.
“I was exposed to the different problems that communities encounter with soil around the world and learned about recommended practices to solve these problems,” he said.
Desamito attended the conference with his faculty mentor, UOG Professor of Soil Science Mohammad H. Golabi. The two presented a poster at the conference on integrating the application of biochar into agricultural conservation practices in Southern Guam. Biochar is a carbon-rich charcoal used to increase soil fertility, agricultural productivity, and resistance to soil-borne diseases.
Desamito also came away from the conference with valuable connections with other students, professors, and colleagues from around the world who are doing research similar to his biochar project.
“I was also able to meet with researchers who offered me research positions for my PhD program that would help me grow as a future soil scientist upon my graduation from UOG,” he said.
Following his pursuit of a doctorate, Desamito said he wants to come back to Guam and help the community understand the importance of soils as well as research sustainable ways to improve soil health and fertility in Guam.