History of movements of Prosopis juliflora out of its native ra is not very old but its uncontrolled spread in arid and semi-arid tropics is being seen as a disaster . We have demonstrated that species can be used profitably by using its pods for livestock feed and other products. We feel that if species is managed properly from begning it can also provide high grade timber . We feel lack of proper management is responsible for spread of its weedy thickets , otherwise species has potential to enhance livelihoods of rural folks . Your views on the question are welcome .
It is more of a natural resource than disaster , especially in arid and semi-arid areas where moisture constraint is a perennial issue...
Prosopis juliflora has shown itself to be a very aggressive invader, especially in frost-free arid and semi-arid natural grasslands, both in its native range and in particular, where introduced. Prosopis as a ... It is a nitrogen-fixing and very drought and salt-tolerant species, which can rapidly out-compete other vegetation. Prosopis juliflora is locally known as vilayati babul one of the most common tree of the Indian desert belonging to family Mimosacea. The pods can be used as a livestock feed and for making human foods; and environmental services provided by nitrogen fixation, shade, shelter, live and dead fencing. .
Here are some cases of divergent studies...
Elemental content of three plant species growing on abandoned fly ash landfill : Differences in foliage tissue concentration of elements were assessed for Prosopis juliflora, Calotropis gigantia and Ipomoea fistulosa growing on abandoned fly ash and a control soil. In general, plants from the fly ash exhibited reduced concentrations of N, K, Ca, Mg, S and Mn while elevated trace element concentration in comparison to the control
Impact of Prosopis juliflora on nesting success of breeding wetland birds at Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary, South India
Influence of exotic plant invasions on the structure and functional attributes of native ecosystems has been extensively documented and debated. The complex interactions of invasive species with native
Revegetation of coal-mine spoils using Prosopis juliflora
Mining is generally followed by a revegetation programme carried by the Forest Department. In such programmes, often exotic plant species are also used along with native tree species. Since the last one and half decades an exotic tree species, Prosopis juliflora has gained tremendous popularity among forest officials due to its easy establishment, low mortality rate and fast growth rate on mine spoil, compared to other woody species.
Restorative forestry and agroforestry in hot arid region of India: A review
The hot arid regions of India in economically and environmentally disadvantaged part of the country with unique problems. These, ecosystems are highly fragile and large liabilities causing severe impediments in development programmes.
Dr. Tiwari, you are rightly said proper management is needed for Prosopis juliflora. I have seen, it is a very aggressive invader and replaces native vegetation and takes over range lands. It has deep penetrating roots that can draw water from deeper layers. Though the species has played a massive role in changing land use and the livelihood security of arid and semi-arid areas in the world, but due to the poor management practices it has create a negative pressure on bio-diversity. Moreover, it is hard and expensive to remove as the plant can regenerate from the roots and the root can penetrate very deep in the soil.
Although it create shelter for feral animals but livestock which consume excessive amounts of seed pods are poisoned. If we can properly manage the tree, then it may provide food, cattle fodder, honey beside firewood (charcoal), paperboard, hardboard, furniture's, crafts and carols.
Thank you very much , Anoop for such an informative reply of my question . In fact , I want to be very clear how researchers see this species. It is very easy to say - eradicate it as it is disaster , but simply still today 69 -70% of rural follk are dependent on this species for their fire energy needs. This only one aspect . You have elaborated other useful aspects of the species very well . Regards !
Thank you , Dr. Tarafdar for informative reply of my question . Regards !
This species is seen in a aggressive manner but mostly it is found on waste land specially on alkaline soils or on soils where other species can not be grown easily. It also acts as fodder for sheep, goats and wild animals. It also play a role in carbon sequestration.
Interesting and excellent information presented by colleagues on prosopis juliflora! The attached resources show its pharmaceutical, therapeutic benefits. Also, one of the articles show how the Kenyans are using it as an alternative to wood. Best regards
Dear Sir,
You can use this plant as fodder.
But the Parthenium hysterophorus, a very dangerous weed, come to India with supplied wheat from USA and now widespread.
How can we get relief from that plant?
Thank you very much , Dr. Dixon and Dr.Pattanayak for your response on the issue.Dr . Pattanayak , regarding Parthenium weed researchers in India as well as in foreign countries tried many control mwasures but still no method is perfect . Regards !
I have seen another possibility of Prosopis juliflora. We found that its roots are good host for AM fungi specially Glomus fasciculatum. There are some thorn less genotypes for Prosppis juliflora. The thorn less genotypes may well be used for multiplication and inoculum preparation of AM fungi specially Glomus fasciculatum as we found Glomus fasciculatum is very effective for horticultural fruit trees like pomegranate, Aonla, Zizyphus, Guava, Bael etc.
Dr. Tarafdar , P. juliflora as such do not have thornless plant type however , due to interspecific breeding there are many hybrids , often with Prosopis pallida . It' s a very good development that you found some AM fungi as associates of Prosopis juliflora in P.juliflora roots . Am I right ?I have also gone through one of your old papers in thich there is mention about that . In fact , that is one very important point to highlight it's positive impacts . Regards , J. C. Tewari
Thank you very much Prof. Alshibly for good words regarding my question !
I again request to learned RG members to discuss the issues related to Prosopis juliflora in light of my question . I sincerely feel that your knowledge on the subject will help me to develop a concept note on the species ! Regatds !
R/S Sir,
For the Gujarat state, 80-90% of honey is only produce from Kachchh district, which is highly invaded by P. juliflora.
Even some organization tried P. juliflora as a source of Bio-Char.
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