Western Pacific Tropical Research Center plant pathologists are engaged in research of the diseases of traditional Pacific island plant crops as well as other plants currently under propagation in the islands.

Dr. Andrea Blas is working to create improved varieties of papaya targeted for Guam's environment and consumer preferences. Read More

Diseases of Local Importance

• Banana bunchy top which is vectored by aphids.
• Citrus greening aka Huanglongbing which is vectored by the Asian citrus psyllid.
• Tinangaja is caused by a viroid and is only found on Guam.

Clink on the links below for more information:

Pdf Presentation of diseases above

Banana bunchy top brochure

Citrus greening brochure

Dr. Robert Schlub is investigating a pathogen infecting trees in Guam's limestone forests, Phellinus noxius. Read More 

His lab has also been involved in identifying a virus that was causing some local farmers to lose their whole tomato crop to the Ageratum yellow vein virus. Read More

Anthracnose is a disease of cucumbers caused by the fungus Collectotrichum orbiculare. Dr. Schlub and his lab team launched a project to reduce the impact of this disease on Guam. Read More