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UOG Horizons: Knowledge for Life - Plant disease, decline post-typhoon

UOG Horizons: Knowledge for Life - Plant disease, decline post-typhoon

UOG Horizons: Knowledge for Life - Plant disease, decline post-typhoon


4/29/2026
Uprooted trees following the typhoon
For uprooted trees following typhoons, it is recommended to keep the roots moist with water and cover them with burlap or soil until the tree can be stood back up and staked.
Fruit trees damaged
Fruit trees are vulnerable to storm damage and the subsequent stem and fruit rot. It is recommended to prune any damaged parts of the plants and to discard severely damaged plants altogether.
Broken tree with entry points for pest
Broken tree limbs leave wounds on the tree that can become entry points for pathogens and insect pests. However, it is best to let the wounds heal naturally, as sealing them with tar or paint can trap moisture and lead to decay.
 
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Bindu Poudel-Ward
Bindu Poudel-Ward, Ph.D. is an Extension Agent III and Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology for the University of Guam Land Grant - Extension Service.

As we’ve recently seen with Typhoon Sinlaku, storms take a major toll on all types of plants - from agricultural crops to the trees in our yards. Beyond the immediate physical destruction, these storms quietly set the stage for plant diseases to develop and spread. Understanding these post-storm risks and acting quickly can help you reduce long-term losses and bring your plants and trees back to life sooner.

In the first few days after a storm, the damage is easy to spot. Broken limbs, uprooted trees and folded-over plants are common sights. At this stage, what you see is only part of the story.

Read the full story in The Guam Daily Post