Prosopis juliflora and related arboreal species: a monograph, technical manual and database
Prosopis
Background
Prosopis species form a major component in dryland ecosystems in the Americas, Africa and Asia. The main introduced species, P. juliflora, is now pantropical in arid and semi-arid zones. Introductions of inferior germplasm and little transference of processing technologies have limited the exploitation of Prosopis products. Although much has been published on the genus, no comprehensive synthesis exists.
Research activities
This project collated all published and 'grey' literature to produce a monograph, a technical manual appropriate to the cultural, ecological and economic situation of India, and an electronic biliographic database containing over 6400 entries.
Findings
Thorny Prosopis shrubs widespread in Africa and India came from the introductions of inferior germplasm, that has led to a poor appreciation of the genus. Research trials have identified superior genetic material in a range of rainfall zones and soil types. There is a need for the dissemination of information concerning this material. In some areas Prosopis has spread from the low rainfall zones in which it was planted, invading water courses, irrigated agricultural land, and adjacent higher rainfall areas. Information concerning the relative invasiveness of species, reproductive biology and methods for controlling the spread or eradication are highlighted in this study.
Details of the technologies in use, primarily in the native ranges, and the commercialisation of products, are described which will help to improve the use of Prosopis products in areas where they have been introduced. In the long term, this should allow for an increase in economic activity and an increase in the incomes of families living in the many arid and semi-arid areas where Prosopis species are widespread.
Much time and limited resources have been spent by researchers conducting work that has already been undertaken in other regions, leading to unnecessary duplication of research. The database, by collating the global knowledge on all Prosopis species, prevents further duplication, and allows for improved identification of future research and developmental needs.
Publications associated with this project are available free of charge.
Outputs
- Pasiecznik,
N.M., Felker, P., Harris, P.J.C., Harsh, L.N., Cruz, G., Tewari, J.C., Cadoret,
K. AND Maldonado, L.J. 2001. The Prosopis juliflora
– Prosopis pallida Complex: A Monograph. 162 pp.
ISBN: 0 905343 30 1. - Tewari J.C., P.J.C. Harris, L.N. Harsh, K. Cadoret and N.M. Pasiecznik. 2000. Managing Prosopis juliflora (Vilayati babul): A Technical Manual. CAZRI, Jodhpur, India and Garden Organic, Coventry, UK. 96p. ISBN 0 905343 27 1.
- Cadoret K., N.M. Pasiecznik and P.J.C. Harris. 2000. The Genus Prosopis: A Reference Database (Version 1.0): CD ROM. 1000 copies. Garden Organic, Coventry, UK. ISBN 0 905343 28 X.
- Harsh L.N., J.C. Tewari and M. Lal. 2000a.Prosopis juliflora - don't see it as a disaster. Educational video film (16mins). CAZRI, Jodhpur and EMRC, JNV University, Jodhpur, India.
- Harsh L.N., J.C. Tewari and M. Lal. 2000a. Prosopis juliflora - unexplored multiple uses. Educational video film (16mins). CAZRI, Jodhpur and EMRC, JNV University, Jodhpur, India.
Collaborators
Central Arid Zone Research Institute, India
University of Piura, Peru
University of Santiago del Estero, Argentina
INIFAP, Mexico
Contact
Julia Wright, International Research Coordinator, jwright@gardenorganic.org.uk
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