Prosopis juliflora L: DISTRIBUTION, IMPACTS AND AVAILABLE CONTROL METHODS IN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Prosopis juliflora, an evergreen shrub, is one of the most invasive alien species causing economic and environmental harm in arid and semi-arid areas. It is spreading rapidly in the rangelands, croplands and forests and in particular is threatening pastoral and agro-pastoral livelihoods. Prosopis has invaded parts of wildlife reserves and National Parks threatening biodiversity. There are several factors favoring its rapid distribution in the environment. Its ability to adapt wide range of climatic condition, effective dispersal mechanism, its allelopathic effect, prolific nature, having large seed bank in the soil environment, fast growing and vigorous coppicing ability are among the principal factors. Prosopis has the capacity to decrease the composition and diversity of plant species and it has adverse effects on crop yield, as well as animal and human health. Despite its negative effects, the tree has potential uses such as fuel, charcoal, fodder, food, bio-char, bio- control, windbreaks, shade, construction and furniture materials, and soil stabilization. It can be also be used against different disease and ameliorated environmental conditions through carbon sequestration. On the other hand, manual, mechanical, chemical and biological control methods as well as control by utilization have been pointed out as an effective control ways and management of this weed. There is urgent need to develop management strategies that are environmentally friendly and economically viable to bring them under control. Therefore, objective of this review was to explore the distribution, impacts, benefits and as well as the possible management approaches against Prosopis.